On Saturday we welcomed 500 swimmers to our International Women’s Day Sea Swim. Hundreds of wild swimmers, 1000’s of whoops of joy and one big mission from our charity partners Surfers Against Sewage #endsewagepollution.
The big group photo is a glorious reminder that when individuals gather together amazing things happen. PinkNicky HQ put’s on events and then opens the doors to sea swimmers across the South East – what a privilege to see so many smiles, feel the energy, connect people and spread the message far and wide. Adventures are never far away!
Thank you to the sponsors and the #IWDTeam, the sponsors are a crucial part of the event and without them the event would not be able to run. All the sponsors this year got involved from the word go and supported the event in their own unique ways.
- Debbie Stevens Girls Nights In, Land and Wave, RubyMoon Gym to Swim
- Beach Box Sauna, Restoring Balance, The Antarctic Aruban
- SmocSmoc, Sea Lanes, Stratus Coaching
- ddipp, The Everyday Adventure Podcast, Amanda Fitzgerald PR
- Jessica Hepburn, Brand You Magazine, Bird and Blend
- Listen to our #iwdswim podcasts here
- IWDTEAM: Beth Wild Photography, William Ranieri Film, Blue Response, Debbie Lawrence, Mike B Websites, Charlie B, plus volunteers Debbie, Charlotte and Michelle.
Live on the BBC News – What a Result!
Coverage by BBC Radio Sussex, BBC News, Latest TV, Brand you Magazine and The Argus all got people talking about wild swimming and Surfers against Sewage across the region. Amanda Fitzgerald PR worked her PR magic!!
Check out the gallery below to view to photos taken by our event photographer Beth Wild and our drone footage from Ranieri Films. If you use any of the photos please credit Beth Wild Photography.
Every sea swimmer across the country is affected by the pollution that is pumped into the sea. Checking for pollution spills is a necessary part of our sea swimming ritual. If you don’t already please download the The Safer Seas Service Water Quality App, sign up to become a supporter of SAS and follow the local SAS Facebook group
A community event like this is made up of many elements: crazy ideas, belief from sponsors, hard work from the team and the desire from the swimmers to be part of something big, bold and bonkers!
I wish we could bottle the sounds of 500 swimmers entering the water with such joy, child like excitement and a vibe all of its own!
Here is what our wild swimmers had to say:
We tried to put into words what it meant to everyone that took part on the day, but instead we have used all the lovely things that you have said on social media:
“Wowzershundreds of women showing solidarity, strength & love of life today at the International Women’s Day Swim in support of Surfers Against Sewage’s”
“An incredible gathering of likeminded souls, standing togther in comeradery, joy and slight hysteria. Was bloomin wonderful”
“Yesterday was fabulous! I got diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s at 38 last year and sea swimming not only brings me joy but also helps my symptoms☺️ I’m a bit unsteady sometimes so sea can be bit scary but the group yesterday was joyful. Thank you X”
“Whoop whoop I can see me! What a fab event, so glad I found it and got involved ❤️ so happy to have taken part!”Whoop whoop I can see me! What a fab event, so glad I found it and got involved ❤️ so happy to have taken part!”
“Today has been a warm and welcoming experience. So much kindness and laughter”.
“So chuffed to be part of such an uplifting swim- what a powerhouse of an event”
“It was a truly inspirational event by PinkNickysBlog. Let’s start planing the next one!”
“Thanks for a great event, was a fabulous energising experience. Was glad to be a part of it”
“I was nervous coming down on my own – but was carried along with the sheer excitement of it all – it was properly brilliant. Do more stuff, cause I am in!!”I was nervous coming down on my own – but was carried along with the sheer excitement of it all – it was properly brilliant. Do more stuff, cause I am in!!”
“The sea was fizzing with amazing energy and the noise was next level”
“The whooping and the joy when we all got in the water was just magic. Something very special happens when women come togetherThanks so much for organising.”
“Events like the International Women’s Day Swim in Brighton are not just about swimming; they are about community, empowerment, and connection. They provide a platform for women to come together, celebrate their achievements, and support one another in their journey. And for three generations of mermaids, it was an experience we will cherish for a lifetime”
Statements of Support 2025:
Next year we would like to include more swimmers, but for this to become a reality we will need some support from the sea swimming and wider business community.
We are looking for the following volunteer skill set:
- We will be looking to put together a group of Ambassadors that can help spread the word about the event into their communties via social media and increase diversity to attract a broader range of swimmers.
- Sponsors
- Lawyer: specialist in event industry
- Business that has Public Music Licence
- DJ with PA system (run from battery)
- Printer – for event Banners and hand held flags
If you are interested in supporting #iwd2025, please complete this form and we will be in contact
If anyone has written about the event please link to pinknicky.com and please let us know so that we can get behind your blog.
Keeping Swimming and Keep supporting #endsewagepollution
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