The hardiest of aquatic athletes from all over the world are to dive into the chilly waters of Windermere, as Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel & Marina plays host to an international open water swimming gala.
Now an official Winter Swimming Association event, the fifth Big Chill Swim, takes place on 10 and 11 December by the hotel’s waterfront, with no wetsuits allowed.
Professional and amateur open water swimmers from Chile, USA, Russia, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Germany are jetting in to the region to take part in one of the Lake District’s largest mass participation events.
Races on the Saturday include the 450m endurance event and a series of multi stroke ‘sprints’ at distances ranging from 30m to 120m, before a series of team relays commence in the afternoon. The new 30m ‘Ice Fly’ is a competitive butterfly race for the forthcoming winter season.
Sunday’s racing starts with a 240m race held in age group divisions and culminates in the 1km British Championships, the main endurance challenge for experienced cold water swimmers bracing themselves for 32 widths of the marina.
Ben Berry from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues says: “The Big Chill Swim here at Low Wood Bay is always very well supported locally and we’re looking forward to another great day’s racing in a truly wonderful setting. The relays are especially fun to see as they are a great team challenge and popular with those wanting to raise funds.
“Outdoor open water swimming, unheard of as a mainstream sport a few years ago, is now hugely popular both here in the Lake District and around the world.”
Chillswim director Colin Hill adds: “The event is already fully subscribed and we have again reached the maximum entry number of 1,000 competitors registered to take part in a full range of relays, sprints and endurance races. As well as the professional races, there will be the usual fun and games for the more recreational swimmers to raise funds for charity with novelty races and fancy dress.
“Low Wood Bay has a long history of encouraging visitors to enjoy the waters of Windermere, and our winter open water swimming gala is a thrilling way to do it in participation with swimmers of all ages and backgrounds.”
Supported by Northern Pontoon, each Big Chill Swim race is timed with the fastest on the clock per age group category going forward to collect their prizes and medals at a special ceremony and Barn Dance at Low Wood Bay in the evening.
The hotel was also the venue for this year’s World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) awards, presented in partnership with Chillswim. For further information, visit englishlakes.co.uk
