Swimming events

WaterAid/ James Kirby

Join Team WaterAid

Take on a charity swim challenge for WaterAid and help us reach everyone, everywhere with life-changing clean water.

Make a splash for WaterAid!

Whether you’re already a swimming fanatic or you're looking to dip your toe in for the first time, join our community of like-minded swimmers to make a difference to your own life – and to the lives of others around the world.

From leisurely laps in stunning locations, to marathon-distance challenges – there’s a swimming event for everyone.

Upcoming swimming events

Reasons to swim: a gallery

To celebrate the power of water, our gallery Reasons to Swim reveals intimate portraits and stories of people from across the UK who are drawn to the cold waters in various outdoor swimming locations, captured by photographer Nikki McClarron.

Audrey Livingston co-founded Soul Swimmers with her friend Debbie Croydon. They noticed a lack of Black and Asian women in sports such as swimming. Audrey said: "It is relaxing and gives you a sense of freedom. I find it also helps to calm the mind down and it is great to meet like-minded people." WaterAid/ Nikki McClarron

JoJo O’Brien, 37, a ski instructor from Salcombe, Devon. After a foot operation, JoJo turned to the water and swimming when she noticed it was the only form of fitness that did not cause her pain. WaterAid/ Nikki McClarron

Debbie Croydon, 57, left, and Audrey Livingston, 60, right. Both from London, Debbie and Audrey met at a triathlon workshop. Last summer, they founded Soul Swimmers, a community of women from Black and Asian communities bound together by their mutual passion for wild swimming. WaterAid/ Nikki McClarron

Henry Fincher, 38, is a swimming teacher at London Fields Lido and an open water swimming coach. Henry took up swimming lessons when he was younger after his GP told him it would help his pigeon chest, a condition that causes the sternum and rib cage to protrude outwards. WaterAid/ Nikki McClarron

Laurie Firth, 38, who has enjoyed swimming all her life, recalls seeking out cold water river spots with friends, having moved to London as an escape from the city. She highlighted how the pandemic made her realise how much she missed her swimming community. WaterAid/ Nikki McClarron

Already got a swimming challenge in mind?

If you've already got your own place on a swimming event, or even if you'd like to create your very own challenge, we'd love you to join Team WaterAid!

Let us know by emailing us on [email protected], or by setting up a fundraising page on JustGiving – they'll tell us you're raising money for WaterAid, and we'll get in touch with you.

How we'll support you

You'll have access to online support from our partners RunningWithUs, including an email helpline, webinars, and guidance from expert coaches.

We'll also provide you with a fundraising pack to help meet your target, and can send you resources like balloons, collecting tins and banners.

And of course, we'll always be here to answer your questions, share our top fundraising tips, and help keep you motivated – just email [email protected] or call 020 7793 4594.

Preparing for your swim

Whether you’re an open water novice or already a seasoned swimmer, our downloadable 12-week training plans will help you build stamina, speed and confidence so you can achieve your goals.

Beginners 1 mile training plan (PDF) Improvers 1 mile training plan (PDF) Beginners 2 mile training plan (PDF) Improvers 2 mile swim plan (PDF) Beginners 5k plan (PDF) Improvers 5k training plan (PDF) Beginners 10k training plan (PDF) Swimming guide (PDF)