Charity swims

Open water swimming has ballooned in recent years as people search for the most immersive ways to experience the great outdoors. A mixture of cold water therapy and the relaxing effect of being in nature means that swimming outdoors is attracting more and more advocates.

In response, charities are creating events that allow people to get involved in a safe and organised way while raising money for good causes at the same time.

Ranging from the Bournemouth Pier-to-Pier Swim in the English Channel to the Serpentine Swim in Hyde Park, charity swims are available all across the UK and at a variety of distances. Some events will allow you to raise money for a charity of your choice while others are dedicated to a specific good cause, like the River Arun swim organised by Aspire, helping people with spinal injuries.

As some events include swimming up to four miles, raising money for charity provides brilliant motivation to train and complete the event. You often also receive:

• Branded kit to wear on the day, such as a swim cap.
• One-to-one support on training and nutrition.
• Support with fundraising.