The Big Swim 2026 : Stay Safe, Wrap Up and Be Happy

The Big Swim 2026: Not long to go now!

See you Saturday, 14^th March for The Big Swim 2026

We’re delighted to have you join us for this empowering event. As we prepare for a day of celebration and unity, ensuring your safety and enjoyment is our top priority.

With an anticipated turnout of approximately 1000 swimmers in Dorset and Brighton, and the support of our sponsors, partners, lifeguards, and first aiders, we’ve implemented comprehensive measures to ensure a safe environment for all participants.

Our partners at Land and Wave (Dorset), Sea Lanes (Brighton), and the Blue Response Safety Team have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure you have a safe and memorable experience.

While our focus remains on safety, we’re equally dedicated to ensuring you have a sparkly experience filled with unique memories. For some, this may mark their first time participating in such a large-scale event, while for others, it presents an opportunity to step outside their comfort zone – so please extend your warm welcome, as everyone has a unique story to share!

In the spirit of fostering joy and camaraderie, please read our tips to stay safe and spread positivity throughout the day.

Please cancel your ticket on Eventbrite, if you can no longer attend. This will allow people on our waiting list to attend. Please email nickyc@pinknicky.com if you have any trouble with Eventbrite.

Event Hashtag #thebigswim26 Follow @pinknicky1

Weather Update

Decisions on the weather and the status of the event will be made on Friday, 13th  March, between 1 and 2 pm. Please watch for emails and social media updates if you see bad weather approaching.

Bring Signs and Placards

We are using the swim to draw attention to our sewage problem and the urgent need for cleaner seas. Bring a banner, a bold message such as Save Our Oceans or No More Sewage. Help us spark conversations on the beach and show the power of collective voices standing together for change. Homemade and creative is the key.

Be Prepared

• When you arrive on Madeira Drive, head to Sea Lanes entrance and then head straight onto the beach to SIGN IN.
• Parking: Please allow ample extra time to travel to Sea Lanes. Maderia Drive will be very busy and has limited parking. Park above Maderia Drive on Marine Parade and walk down, or park in the Marina NCP and walk along (30 mins). Do not park at Asda; you will receive a ticket. Car share or take the Bus where you can.
• Bring your food and drink, as it will be hectic.
• Sea Lanes
  Fika: Hot drink and Oatopia breakfast flapjack for £6
  Wood x Coal: 10% off Big swim attendees (orders at the Bar)
  Bison: 10% off Big swim attendees (orders at the Bar)
  
  

Top tips for staying safe when cold-water dipping

• If you need to warm up, pls go to the event space in Sea Lanes
• This event is at your own risk; please assess your ability and safety before participating.
• Event Organisers shall not be liable for any injury, damage or loss to you or your property that might occur because of your participation.
• Please monitor weather updates 24 hours before the event. You will be notified via Eventbrite and social media if the event is cancelled.
• Listen to the safety briefing.
• Tell people what you’re doing and where.
• Take your phone in a waterproof pouch.
• Take lots of warm clothing to wrap up in afterwards – a hat and gloves are a must.
• Check the water is clear of sewage spills
• Bring hot drinks and snacks.
• If you have underlying health conditions (i.e. heart disease, asthma, lung conditions) or any other medical conditions that might be affected by exposure to cold water, or if you are pregnant, then please seek appropriate medical advice before proceeding.
• Do not take part in the challenge under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Entering cold water can cause ‘cold water shock‘. This is a normal physiological response: breathing and heart rate increase dramatically upon entering the water. Hyperventilating in water can be dangerous, so it’s essential to enter the water slowly, stay within your depth, and focus on slow, steady breaths.
• Hypothermia can also occur when exposed to the cold. Always wear warm clothing to stay warm after your swim, swim in a group where possible, and don’t stay in the water longer than you feel comfortable.
• Don’t stay in too long – exit the water before you start to get cold.
• If you feel very cold, disoriented, or dizzy, seek help immediately.

Timetable

• 11.45 -12.45 All swimmers must register on arrival and will be given a marker to show they are officially signed in. This ensures that only registered participants take part in the event. We operate with strict maximum numbers and work hard to keep all our swimmers safe. Our safety teams will ask you to leave the beach if you are not registered.
• 12.45 Welcome and Safety Brief
• 1.00 Warm up
• 1.10: Group Photo and Drone coverage
• 1.15: Offering to the Sea
• 1.20 Swimmers enter the water – Please do not enter the water until you hear the safety signal
• 2.00 Swimmers out of the water. Please feel free to enjoy your picnic on the beach.
• 2.30 Event closes
• Blue Response will always be with us on the beach with lifeguards and First Aid.

The Big Swim Merch

What to bring

• Sparkly outfits optional
• Swimsuit and towel
• Shoes to wear in the water
• Wetsuit/wetsuit shoes/wetsuit gloves
• Bobble hat
• Warm clothes for afterwards – think layers with a hat and gloves
• Hot drinks and snacks

RubyMoon will be collecting your old swimming costumes – look out for the RubyMoon Flag and drop your old costumes with Jo.

Spread a little happiness

• Bring snacks to share
• Say hello to your fellow swimmers
• Hug your swimming neighbours on the beach
• Feel free to whoop with delight as you enter the water
• If you see anyone on their own, please make them feel welcome
• Wear your most sparkly outfits
• Take a selfie and use the hashtag #thebigswim26

Sponsors Discount

Scamp and Dude: Use discount SDBigSwim26 at checkout.
Book here https://scampanddude.com/

Sea Lanes
Fika: Hot drink and Oatopia breakfast flapjack for £6
Wood x Coal: 10% off Big swim attendees (orders at the Bar)
Bison: 10% off Big swim attendees (orders at the Bar)

Brighton Beach Box: Use 10% discount code IWDSWIM26 at checkout.
This code is valid for an express sauna session, any time in March.
Book here https://beachboxspa.co.uk/book-now/

Beach Bandit Swimming
10% off Beach to Buoy Course Brighton – add code IWD2026 at check out

Zoe Carroll – The Activate YOU programme – a year-long supportive programme helping neurodivergent women understand and live with their unique mind (usually £645)
https://zoecarroll.thrivecart.com/activateyou/?coupon=TBS2026

Sea you on the Beach!

Post Event

Watch out for the post-swim photos and drone footage here on PinkNickys Blog

Sign up for the Newsletter below to hear about the next PinkNicky Event

• Megaphones, Sparkles and a Beach Disco: A New Way to Show Up for Our Seas
• The Big Swim 2026 : Stay Safe, Wrap Up and Be Happy
• I Love Me To Do List
• Make your Adventure happen….
• From Fear to Freedom: Expanding Your Comfort Zone in Cold Water