Event day is just around the corner and we hope you’re
starting to get excited. We’ve created this guide to give
you all the event day information you need, so all that’s
left to do is enjoy your big day!
You can also find all of the event information online
at greatswim.org/north, including what’s new for 2021,
safety tips, timetable information and more.
Don’t forget to tag us on social in your event day pictures
with your shiny new medal by using #GreatNorthSwim
@great_swim @greatswim
@great_swim
FRIDAY
13:00 - 10K Swim
(Tow float mandatory)
13:45 - 5k Swim
15:00 - 2 Mile Swim
16:00 - 1 Mile Swim
16:30 - 1 Mile Swim
17:00 - Half Mile
17:30 - Swim250
SATURDAY
09:30 - Half Mile Swim
10:00 - Half Mile Swim
10:30 - 1 mile Swim
11:00 - 1 mile Swim
11:30 - 1 mile Swim
12:00 - 1 mile Swim
12:30 - 1 mile Swim
13:00 - 1 mile Swim
13:30 - 1 mile Swim
14:00 - 1 mile Swim
14:30 - Swim250
15:00 - Swim250
EVENT
TIMETABLE
SUNDAY
09:00 - 10k Swim
(Tow float mandatory)
SWIM
ESSENTIALS
SWIM CAP
Your swim cap corresponds to the coloured wave you are in. All items are strictly non-transferable to other Great Swim events or swimmers. If you have any queries please get in touch sooner rather than later at
[email protected] TIMING CHIP
This is your unique timing chip assigned to give you your time as well as let the swim tracker team know exactly when you enter and exit the water. Only you must wear it on the day.
SWIMMER’S WRISTBAND
A wetsuit will give you extra buoyancy and warmth, but please make sure it fits properly as ill-fitting wetsuits are not allowed for safety reasons. Wetsuit use is optional at all Great Swim events in water temperatures of 15˚C or above.
Swimmers taking part in the 10k distances, or choosing not to wear a wetsuit MUST use an approved high visibility tow float. This only applies to swimmers aged over 16 years old. Swimmers aged under 16 will be required to wear a wetsuit. Our official tow float partner, Swim Secure, will have tow floats available to hire on event day at their pop up stall. Our official wetsuit partners 2XU are offering event, monthly & seasonal wetsuit hire to help you get kitted up for your challenge. Plus, if you like your suit you have the option to buy it at the end of the hire period - the ultimate try before you buy. You can buy online, or visit the 2XU stall on event day.
BE SAFER . BE SEEN
This inflatable tow-float includes a leash and waist strap. It is bright and is recommended for open water swimmers in all bodies of water to increase visibility to other open water users. We now have two colours to choose from: orange and pink. The tow-float has a double airbag system which is easily inflated. The adjustable belt design clips securely around the swimmer's waist and the leash ensures that the product remains out of swim stroke range whilst swimming and is very low drag (you generally don't notice it is there). If you need to rest you can hold onto the float and it will easily support an adult's weight.
This float is perfect for bodies of water where there are boat users to make the swimmer more visible. It's also ideal for groups of swimmers so you can be easily seen from the shore or in the water by fellow swimmers. The tow-float is recommended for taking children into the open water, as you can spot them very quickly and they can hold onto the tow-float if they need a rest.
SWIM SECURE
TOW FLOAT
• It will be a one-way system and you will enter and exit from the supporters’ green.
• Please enter the swimmers-only zone an hour before your start time to ensure you have plenty of time to change, check in and warm up.
• There will be an open-sided baggage facility available, however, as always we’d recommend arriving as ready as possible with minimal baggage, or leaving your belongings with family or friends. If you do use the baggage-drop please ensure your baggage label is attached and is weatherproofed.
• There will be a limited capacity enclosed changing facility available (post swim only), which will require face masks to enter. There may be queues.
• There will also be a small pre and post swim open air changing area available for those with changing robes. These will be separated into male and female zones.
• Within the swimmers-only zone there will be toilet facilities, water refill points (please bring your own bottle), and hand sanitising stations.
• Unless you have a specific event question, there is no need to visit the information point before entering the swimmers-only zone
SWIMMERS-ONLY
ZONE
• You will receive a warm-up, a pre-swim safety briefing and the chance to acclimatise in the water before your swim starts. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions to our experienced swim team while you wait for your start
• Don’t forget, your timing chip only activates once you cross over the timing mat under the start gantry, so when the hooter sounds, there’s no need to rush into the water. Take your time and enjoy the experience
• Your timing chip will automatically track your time when you walk across the timing mat at the finish, so there is no need to do anything else to record your time. Your results will be available following the event at greatswim.org/results
• Keep moving through the finish area and you will be able to collect your finisher’s bag, which includes your t-shirt, medal and bottle of water
• Don’t forget to pose for an official photo from our partners Marathon Photos, which will be available to buy online along with your other event photos in the days following the swim at
greatswim.org/photos
• You will continue to make your way through the one-way system past the baggage collection and changing, and then back to the supporters green where your loved ones will be waiting for you
• Make sure you refuel and rehydrate at the various food and drink stalls and facilities available on site
SWIMMERS-ONLY
COURSE
MAP
1 mile and m ulti-lap course Finish ar ea Dis tanc e mark ers 10k (2nd-6th laps) 250m C ourse Cr ossing Zone: Start of 2nd & 3rd lap, 5k course
Cr
ossing Zone:
St
art of 2nd lap, 2 mile course
100metre s ST AR T FINISH DIST ANC
ES 1 mile and multi-lap c
ourse
1/2 mile c
ourse
10k (2nd - 6th laps) Crossing Zone: Star
SITE
MAP
BR OC KHOLE ON WINDER MER EBIR
KETT
WOOD
ST AR T FINISH Start route SWIMMMER’S ONL Y ROUTES Finishers’ route BR OC KHOLE HOUSE AR CHER Y LASER CL AY S KR AZY KAR TS ToiletsKEY
Food Baggage Big Scr een Car Parking Changing Ferry Land ing Med ical Recycl ing Point Buses Informat ion Finishers’ Packs Drinking Water Beer T ent Exhibitors Charit ies Wha t’s on sit e? Ther e ar e plen ty of things going on a t Br ockhole on Windermer e throughout the whole w
eek end. So whe ther y ou’ re in ne ed of some t as ty
food and drink
s t o r ef uel af ter y our swim, or y ou’v e got f amily and f riends to k eep en ter tained while y ou’ re in the w at er, w e’v e got y ou c ov er ed. Her e ar e jus
t some of the things going on:
There will be lots to see and do at Brockhole for those who are swimming as well as anyone who is there to support. Brockhole has a great range of fun outdoor activities to keep you and the family busy, which you can find by visiting their website: brockhole.co.uk
There will also be a number of food and drink options on site to keep you hydrated and well fed. Remember to bring your card to pay as most places will prefer contactless.
WaterAid will have a hand washing station available on site, in addition to a number of hand sanitising stations available to use.
For those cycling, there will be some limited bike parking stands on site, don’t forget your lock!
The supporters’ green will be a great area for a picnic rug for family and friends to wait for swimmers to finish but there are limited sheltered areas, so please be prepared for all weather.
The information point and Great Swim merchandise stalls will be located next to the supporters’ green. Please try and avoid queuing, and ensure you respect the space of others around you.
There will also be a number of partner and charity stalls to take a look at.
Swimming in cold water can put additional stress on your body so it is important to check that you are fit to train and compete in the event You must be able to swim more than the distance of the event you have entered non-stop in a pool by the day of the swim.
If you are unwell in the days before the event, even if you are raising money for charity, please don’t swim. Most medical emergencies occur in people who have been unwell but don’t want to miss out on the event.
Swimming is no different to other exercise – as you increase your activity level, your body temperature increases and you lose body fluid leaving to dehydration and impaired performance. This can be exacerbated when wearing a wetsuit, particularly on hot days. Ensure you drink little and often before your swim and rehydrate well afterwards. Do not drink any alcohol the night before and on the day of the event as it can cause dehydration.
HAVE A HAPPY
Some of the main risks associated with open water swimming are related to the effects of cold water. If your core temperature drops too low, you could suffer from hypothermia, which can be very serious.
If the water temperature is cold, wear an additional swim hat under your official Great Swim hat, preferably neoprene. It could also be worth investing in some neoprene socks and gloves for colder water temperatures.
On a hot day, do not put your wetsuit on fully until just before you go through check-in to avoid dehydration.
HAVE A HAPPY
The John West Great North Swim event weekend has been planned with your health and safety at the heart of it. The changes to the event that are detailed within this guide is our way of doing all that we can to ensure a COVID-secure event. We’d like to ask for your help to maintain these standards and ensure the protection of those around you, therefore if you or any of your supporters display any
COVID-19 symptoms, we ask that you do not attend the event.
The three main symptoms of COVID-19 are a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
For more information on the symptoms of COVID-19, please visit the NHS website.
Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
Stay 1 metre away from people
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards.
GREAT SWIM AND
GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY YOUR DAY,
FROM THE
GREAT SWIM TEAM
AND
ALL OUR PARTNERS.
Fancy Dress
Sorry but we can’t accommodate fancy dress that would compromise the safety of either the swimmer themselves or others.
Swimming Aids
Swimming goggles are
recommended. Other aids such as diving masks, snorkels, MP3 players and flippers are not allowed.
Water Quality
All of our venues are tested for water quality, however swimming in open water does carry a risk of infection.
In the water
If you need assistance while in the water do not panic. Tread water and raise one arm in the air. We have plenty of safety craft on the water and someone will reach you as quickly as possible. We hope you don’t need them, but there is a full medical team consisting of doctors, paramedics and first aiders at the event.
Results
Your swim time will be loaded on to the Great Swim website soon after you finish.
You can check here:
