Swim Challenge Health and Safety Tips

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If a supporter chooses to swim in open water:  

Please read this safety advice in full and be aware that participation is at your own risk. Whether you choose to take part in the sea, a lake, a loch, your local swimming pool, or lido, it’s important you understand how to stay safe while fundraising for Cancer Research UK.

If you are doing the challenge in open water, never undertake this challenge alone. Please enjoy this challenge with others who can assist you should it be required. Always be aware of your location and take your mobile phone to wherever you are swimming.

If you are considering attempting this challenge outside in open water, please check the weather forecast, tides, water conditions in advance and plan accordingly. Ensure you know the conditions and how to protect yourself, and do not partake if you do not feel fully confident.

Always ensure you have taken a means of calling for help in case of an emergency for you or someone you are with.

Check local advice and choose your locations carefully. Seek out locations which are familiar to you and ideally with local lifeguards. Ensure it is safe for you to get in the water, and you can exit easily.

Taking on this challenge is entirely at your own risk, so please assess your ability and safety before you participate. Cancer Research UK shall not be liable for any injury, damage or loss to you or your property that might occur as a result of your participation.

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.

Plan your outdoor swims in daylight hours and avoid dipping in the dark.

Approach the challenge sensibly and don’t go beyond your ability levels to participate in the challenge.

If you are swimming in open water, it’s advised that you wear brightly coloured clothes, and your Cancer Research UK bobble hat so you can be easily spotted. It will also help you retain body heat while in the water.

If taking part in open water, you may also like to wear a wetsuit, which would aid buoyancy and make you feel more comfortable in the water. Neoprene boots and gloves are also a good addition to ensure your hands and feet do not get too cold.

Always enter the water slowly and avoid jumping in as this could cause cold water shock.

Seek help immediately if you feel very cold, woozy, nauseous, disorientated, dizzy or faint.

In case of open water emergency, call 999 for help and ask for a coast guard.

Warm up gradually after getting out of the water, dry yourself off and put on warm, dry layers.

Avoid standing around, have a warm drink and some food, and move to a warm location, especially if you’re swimming outside

We recommend reading the following guidance too:   

If a supporter is choosing to swim indoors:  

If swimming indoors, such as at a local swimming pool, please observe their rules. These normally entail things like no running around the pool, no diving unless specified, not to swim after consuming alcohol, checking depth and length to check you are confident with it, etc. Ask a member of staff for guidance if you’re unsure.

Taking on this challenge is entirely at your own risk, so please assess your ability and safety before you participate. Cancer Research UK shall not be liable for any injury, damage or loss to you or your property that might occur as a result of your participation.

If you have underlying health conditions (i.e., heart disease, asthma, lung conditions) or any other medical conditions that might be affected by this challenge, 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.