8 August

Swim For Hope 2026

Name: Swim For Hope 2026
Start: 2026-08-08T00:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-08-08T23:59:59+01:00

Registrations are now closed for 2026, but can you help us?

We need your help! We will be needing lots of kayakers to help us on the day to ensure our swimmers are kept safe and stay on course.
If you can assist, please complete our kayakers form here.

We also require safety boats to help us on the day too. If you have a safety boat and can assist, get in touch here.

About Swim for Hope

Ever thought about swimming The Solent?…then join our 45th birthday team!

Swim for Hope is a 1.3-mile cross-Solent swim, starting at Hurst Point in Hampshire and finishing at Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight.
The swim will take place on Saturday 8th August with an estimated start time of 5:40am (time to be confirmed, tide and weather dependant). Swimmers must have experience in either open water or sea swimming prior to the event date.

To celebrate Wessex Cancer Support’s 45th birthday, we’re hoping an incredible 45 swimmers will take the plunge for our cause in 2026!

The swim has been hugely popular since its inception in 2019, raising over £140,000 for our Isle of Wight services which support thousands of Islanders affected by cancer every year.

For further questions about the event please read our Swim for Hope FAQs, below.

Before signing up, please read our event Terms and Conditions here and our Swim For Hope Conditions of Entry, below.

Registration fee: £60

Minimum fundraising target: £500

To join the waiting list please follow this link and be the first to hear about open places!

Register here for Swim for Hope 2027

Swim For Hope 2026 is kindly sponsored by RenoDrain

Swim for Hope 2026 – Conditions of Entry:

Please read the below conditions of entry for Swim for Hope 2026. By signing up to this event you agree to the following conditions:

Sponsorship

Participants are required to raise a minimum of £500 (excluding Gift Aid) for Wessex Cancer Support. Wessex Cancer Support reserved the right to withdraw your entry should this amount not be met.
You will automatically receive your Enthuse fundraising page on sign up.
Paper sponsorship forms are also available on request and can be used alongside your online fundraising.
All funds raised must go to Wessex Cancer Support. Gift aid will be retained by Wessex Cancer Support.

Registration

A non-refundable registration fee of £60 is payable in order to secure your place on the swim.

Postponement or Cancellation

Wessex Cancer Support and its representatives take responsibility for the event. It reserves the right to postpone or cancel if deemed necessary. Reasons for postponement or cancellation include government advice on sporting events and gatherings, risk to safety of both swimmers and water support, wind and tidal conditions or sea temperature (see below).
If the swim cannot go ahead due to weather conditions, there is a reserve date of Sunday 9th August, approx. 07:00am. In the event of both days being cancelled an alternative shore-based swim will be arranged, or alternatively you will be given the opportunity to complete a virtual swim. Places will not be deferred to Swim for Hope 2027.
All funds raised must go to Wessex Cancer Support and we will not be able to defer your place for Swim for Hope 2027.
All funds raised must go to Wessex Cancer Support in the case of there being a total cancellation of Swim for Hope 2026. Places will not be deferred to Swim for Hope 2027 and refunds for registration and sponsorship will not be possible.
The organisers will instruct swimmers of any postponement or cancellation decision as soon as practicable. Communication of any updates will be via our event Facebook page and WhatsApp group.
Swimmers may be withdrawn from the swim by the event organisers at any time should it be considered a health and safety risk matter. Safety vessels will be on hand for this eventuality.

Training and safety events

We will hold trial swim tests for participants. We encourage all swimmers to attend a trial swim. Those unable to do so will be required to show evidence of ability to complete the swim distance and sign a disclaimer stating that you are competent and prepared to participate in Swim for Hope.

Safety Briefing

All swimmers must participate in a pre-event safety briefing which is currently scheduled to take place on Monday 3rd August 2026 at 19:00. The pre-event safety briefing will be approximately one hour in length.
Participation in the safety briefing is compulsory and non-attendance could result in disqualification from the swim.
Details of training and safety events will be shared with successful entrants as soon as they are scheduled.

Training and preparedness

This is not an undertaking to be taken lightly. It is a sea swim of at least 1.3 miles in a stretch of water affected by complex tides and fluctuating water temperatures. It is also a busy area for leisure boats and commercial shipping.
All participants should have been sea swimming for a minimum of two years prior to the event date.
All possible measures have been taken to ensure your safety and all eventualities have been considered in the planning of this event. However, swimmers must rely on their own training and preparedness in order to successfully complete the challenge. There is an expectation that you will:
Fully completed a medical questionnaire.
Inform Wessex Cancer Support of any change in your health once your entry has been submitted and accepted.
Permit Wessex Cancer Support to consult with your medical practitioner or specialist for advice regarding your condition.
Be fully capable of and prepared to swim the Solent.
Train in the sea and practice in the kit that you will wear on the day.
Should any of the above not be agreed upon and completed you may be disqualified from entering the swim.
The maximum wind strength permitted for this event is force 4 (circa 18mph). The tides in the Solent are complex and dangerous and event timings are chosen carefully. Sea temperatures in the Solent average 18°C, some ten degrees cooler than most indoor swimming pools.
There is no restriction on whether you choose to wear a swimming costume or a wetsuit. Just train in the sea in the kit you will wear in the event and get comfortable with it.
Buoyancy in salt water is quite different to fresh water, so train in the sea if you possibly can.
You will train at your own risk. However, it is best to train with others in the sea and to have an onshore observer too. Let somebody know what you are doing and check tidal and wind conditions before you set off.

Event Details

Swim for Hope will take place on Saturday 8th August 2026 at approximately 05:40am. The start will be confirmed closer to the date. All updates and communication will be published via our event Facebook page and WhatsApp group. Keep an eye out for event information – this is important as timings may alter slightly.
In the event of cancellation, should you be unable to attend the shore-based swim, you will have the option to complete a virtual swim for your medal. Your place will not be deferred to Swim for Hope 2027.
You should be aware that you may be in the sea for an hour or more.
Island residents will be travelling to Hurst Point from Yarmouth on an open rib. The swim will finish at Colwell Bay. Island residents will be required to make their own way back to Yarmouth to their cars.
Mainland residents will need to make their own way to Hurst Point. You should be aware that there is approximately a 30-minute walk from the nearest car park to Hurst Point.
You must dress appropriately for the day and ensure that you have warm clothes to dress in when you finish the swim. Your possessions will be bagged and transferred to Colwell Bay for you. Your possessions must be bagged, these will then be transported to Colwell for you.
You will be given a coloured swimming hat which you must wear for the event.
You can choose to swim in a traditional costume or wetsuit.
The distance is at least 1.3 miles. The distance can be affected by wind and tide. The event will start at Hurst Point, Hampshire and finish at Colwell Bay, Isle of Wight.
Swimmers will be paired up. You must stay together and keep with the kayaker who will be your route guide.
The minimum age for participation in this event is 18 years on the date of the swim.
Timings are particularly important and if you are late on the day the likelihood is that you will not be able to participate. No entries will be permitted on the day, but we will maintain a reserve list of swimmers who will be invited to join the swim if participants withdraw.

Further information

By signing up to this event you agree for your mobile number to be added to our Swim for Hope 2026 WhatsApp group. Others may see your number in this group. The WhatsApp group is for event organisers to post in only. Should any participants post in the WhatsApp group they may be removed and therefore miss vital information.

Wessex Cancer Support must have enough safety support in the form of kayaks and ribs on the water to ensure the event goes ahead. Therefore, we encourage all those who enter to find their own on-the-water support.

Any participants with questions regarding the event should first read our FAQs document, below, and if you have any further questions, please contact the IOW Fundraising Team on 01983 655 038 or at fundraising@wessexcancer.org.uk.

Swim for Hope 2026 FAQs

How far is the swim? 1.3 miles, 2,092 metres.
How long will the swim take? Depending on your ability, anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour 20 mins – this is the maximum time allowed.
Can I swim with my friend? Yes! If you wish to be paired up with someone in particular, please let us know. You will be set at the slowest swimmer’s time.
How are swimmers paired? Swimmers are paired based on swim times, fastest swimmers first (unless you’ve specified you wish to swim with someone). This is to avoid any overtaking or bunching. Please bear in mind that we receive evidence from different bodies of water, and this is taken into consideration.
My friend has a similar swim time as me but is paired ahead of me? We often receive more than two people with similar swim times, and therefore some pairings may have similar times, but we cannot set you all off at once, so you will be one after the other even with similar times.
How will I know what number pair I am? We will inform you ahead of the swim, and your number will be written on your hand on the day and the swim cap we provide. You will then need to line yourself up in that order at The Spit ready to start. Your swim partner with the same number will be to one side of you.
Which side of my kayaker do I swim on? This is personal preference of the swimmer. You can decide between you and your partner how you wish to position yourselves.
Do I have to wear a wetsuit? No, if you wish to swim without you are more than welcome.
Will I have time to get myself ready in the water before I start swimming? No, please get to the beach with adequate time to be ready in your swim gear.
Do I need to provide evidence I can swim the distance? Yes. If you’re unable to attend a test swim, you will need to provide evidence that you can swim 1.3 miles in open water, within 1hr 20m.
When do I need to give you swim evidence by? You need to email swim evidence to fundraising@wessexcancer.org.uk on 2 separate dates. The first evidence needs to be submitted by Friday 26 June, the second by Friday 24 July. If we do not have your swim evidence of 1.3 miles by this time, you will automatically lose your place in the swim.
How do I record my trial swim evidence and who do I send this to? Swim evidence should be in the form of a screenshot or photo of a Garmin/FitBit App, or in the form of event results. This MUST be evidence from a swim that took place within the last month. Swim evidence should be sent to fundraising@wessexcancer.org.uk.
Do I need a tow float? No, these are not mandatory, but you may wear one if you wish.
How will my belongings be transported across the Solent? Your bags will be transported by boat from Hurst Spit to Colwell. PLEASE keep what you bring to a minimum, NO VALUABLES. Bags must be waterproof, dry bags are ideal. These bags are lifted and moved manually, so please ensure everything fits inside your bag.
What conditions will result in the swim being cancelled? Anything from a force 4 (18mph) and above. If Freshwater Lifeboat deems it unsafe to swim, then the swim will be cancelled.
How will we know if the swim needs to be cancelled due to bad weather? We will first update the Whatsapp Group, followed by the Facebook Group, followed by an email. We will aim to make the call by 16:00 the day prior to the swim.
Will rain mean the swim is cancelled? Rain alone will not mean the swim is cancelled.
What weather app do you use? We use MetOffice and Windy.com, and we also review the sea conditions via a rib.
Will the swim be postponed? We have a reserve date of Sunday 9th August at approx. 07:00am, if this is also cancelled then an alternative shore-based swim will be offered. Alternatively, you can provide evidence of doing the swim virtually and a medal can be sent to you in the post.
I’m starting on the mainland, how do I get to the Spit? The only option is to walk, this is a1.5 mile walk across uneven ground. Please come prepared. This walk is likely to take you 45 minutes on average.
Is there parking at Hurst? Yes, there are car parks at Keyhaven (Postcode: SO41 0TP), New Lane, Milford-on-sea, and Saltgrass Lane, Milford-on-sea.
I’m starting on the Isle of Wight, how do I get to the Spit? You can either travel over yourself in the morning, ensuring you are there in time for the swim, or alternatively, island residents will meet at Yarmouth Harbour where you will be transported.
Is there parking in Yarmouth? Yes, there is a long stay Council car park on River Road.
How will I get back to Yarmouth when I finish the swim at Colwell Bay? Hopefully you’ll have supporters on the day and they’ll be able to take you back. If not, we will have Wessex Cancer Support staff and volunteers with cars at the finish point who will ensure you get back to Yarmouth safely after the swim.
How will I get back to The Spit when I finish the swim at Colwell Bay? We will ask our ribs to kindly take mainland swimmers back to The Spit following the swim.
I’m worried about sewage, will this be reviewed? Yes, we will keep an eye on all available sources including the Environment Agency.
Can I wear my own swim cap? No, you must wear the cap provided. This is for safety.
Can my friends and family come to watch? YES! We encourage all supporters on land, be that at Hurst or Colwell.
How will I receive updates? Updates will be provided via the Facebook group and Whatsapp so you must join one of these. We will also communicate via email.
I’m supporting by boat, what VHS Channel is used? This will be confirmed before the day.
I’m supporting by boat, what flag do I raise during the swim? If you have a flag you should be showing swimmer in the sea flag, “alpha flag”.
Are the authorities aware of the swim? Yes, all relevant authorities receive a risk assessment and details regarding the swim, despite it not being published.
I’m supporting by boat, what happens if a boat is approaches where the swimmers are? You need to do all you can to raise awareness to the boat approaching that they cannot cross in the swimmer’s path.
Is the swim a race? No. You must NOT leave your paired partner. This is not a race, and if at any point it’s deemed you’re putting yourself and/or others at risk, you will be removed from the water.
What happens when I get to Colwell Bay? A volunteer will give you a medal and record your name. You must not leave without doing this.
How long do you anticipate the whole event to take (from first swimmers into the water to mainland swimmers back to The Spit)? I would allow a maximum of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Can I choose my kayak support? Yes. If you know of someone interested, please ask them to complete the kayak support form online. They must register as kayak support in order to support you on the day.
I am a kayaker but I only have an inflatable kayak? Unfortunately, inflatable kayaks are not suitable for this swim.
Can I choose my boat support? Yes. If you know of someone interested, please ask them to complete the boat support form online. They must register as boat support in order to support you on the day.
Will there be a photographer? We plan to have a photographer at Colwell Bay to ensure you get some photos of your achievement. You can also bring a waterproof camera/Go Pro and ask your kayaker to take some photos.