The "200 years of the RNLI" sea swim course is a tidal 500m swim. The swim section will take place during slack water (the time when the water is not coming in or going out)
Marshals will guide you down to the swim start immediately after the race briefing - be sure to allow plenty of time to walk to the swim start area.
The first wave will start, with subsequent waves starting every three minutes. If you need time to acclimatise in the water, you will have a couple of minutes before being called to the start line. Each wave will be counted into the water separately.
The swim hats provided are compulsory and indicate your swim wave. If you are allergic to latex, you may wear your own swim hat underneath the one we provide.
The swim start will take place in the shallow water along the foreshore, with the starting line marked by two lifeguards standing in the water.
The swim course is 500 meters long and marked with large sighting buoys to help with easy navigation. The swim entry and exit points are separate, so if you prefer not to walk or run barefoot on the pebbles, you may leave footwear at the swim exit. Please be mindful not to block the exit area while putting your shoes on. After exiting the water, you will pass over the timing mat before making your way up the slope to transition.
Those who are still swimming after 25 minutes are more likely to feel the effects of the sea, more than those who complete the swim in a short time. For this reason we ask that all participants are prepared properly for the swim and would recommend that you prepare for a swim length of 750m. We reserve the right to direct people back to the shore after 25 minutes for their own safety.
Your swim start time will be provided in your pre race information sent out 10 days before the event.
A wet suit is compulsory if the water temperature is 14 degrees or below. The Triathlon England Race Official will decide whether a wet suit is optional and this may not be until event day. However, the sea temperature in mid August has been over 17 degrees for the last few years. We would recommend using a wet suit as this will assist with buoyancy, warmth and for your safety. If you don’t have your own wetsuit yet, consider whether you wish to hire for a season, just for the weekend or something in between by searching wetsuit hire online.
For many, the swim is the most daunting part of the race, but don’t worry! Our water safety team will be there to guide and assist you if needed. If this is your first triathlon, or swimming isn’t your strongest discipline, the only swim stroke we ask you to avoid is backstroke. Otherwise, take your time — you won’t be asked to leave the water unless it’s clear that you are not making progress and haven’t done so for a while.
If you get into difficulty, lie on your back and raise your arm; a lifeguard will come to assist you and, if necessary, the safety team will help you to shore. If you hear lifeguards blowing their whistles, it means someone is either in difficulty or drifting far off course, so please check if they are trying to get your attention.
If you don’t complete the swim, you may continue the race but your race time will be recorded as DNF (Did Not Finish). If you are in the third swim wave and struggling, you will be permitted to hold onto a kayak briefly to catch your breath.
If you don't have a British Triathlon Membership, the sports governing body have replaced the Day Membership with a "Race Pass" which you will need to purchase. This fee goes to Triathlon England.
Fnd a Centre
Members Login