Swim for Hope FAQ's

Please read our event Terms and Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions below, before registering: 

• How far is the swim? 1.3 miles, 2,092 metres.
• How long will the swim take? Depending 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.
• 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 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, only if you want to.
• 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 two sets of 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 hannah.dunford@wessexcancer.org.uk  on 2 separate dates. The first evidence needs to be submitted 4 weeks prior to the event, the second two weeks prior to the event. 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? Swim evidence should be in the form of a screenshot or photo of a Garmin/FitBit App, or in the form of event results.
  Please do not use Strava. Please ensure we have accurate timing for 1.3 miles.
• Do I need a tow float? No, these are not mandatory.
• 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. Rain alone will not cancel the event. We use MetOffice and Windy.com, and we also review the sea conditions via a rib.
• How will we know if the swim needs to be cancelled due to bad weather? We will first update the Whatsapp Group, followed by an email. We will aim to make the call by 16:00 the day prior to the swim.
• Will the swim be postponed? We have a reserve date of 11th September; 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 Email and the Whatsapp so you must be able to view one of these.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
  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.

If you have any further questions, please contact the IOW Fundraising Team at fundraising@wessexcancer.org.uk.