What is Pride Swim?
Pride Swim aims to get thousands of people swimming to connect with others, support their physical and mental health and encourage inclusion, whilst also raising money for our charity partner Switchboard, the national LGBTQIA+ Support Line.
Swims are open to all, including supportive allies.
About Us
The idea for Pride Swim came from the need for more events that connect the LGBTQ+ community through a focus on wellness and the outdoors. There is a Pride Run and Pride Ride, but until last year no Pride Swim. So, a group of community partners, swim organisations and funding partners came together to launch the first ever Pride Swim in September 2023. It was a sell out and massive success, now we plan to roll out across the UK!
Inclusion Statement
We set up Pride Swim to be a fun, safe and supportive space for members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride Swims are open to all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and this includes those who identify as transgender and non-binary. We work with our venue partners to ensure they and their staff support our inclusion focus and we plan to have volunteer leads at as many venues as possible to support those who are coming to events solo. To support and develop our inclusion aims, we are setting up a small advisory group, made up of swimmers from the LGBTQIA+ community, including those who are transgender, are from the global majority and who live with a disability. We, and our venue partners, take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of hate, which includes racism, transphobia, homophobia or biphobia.
Pride Swim Events
We will have swims across the UK, from June onwards including:
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Family swim sessions with our partner Everyone Active
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Adults-only outdoor swims with our partner Love
Open Water* -
Swims with Soho House **
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Swims in Wales as part of the Out & Wild Festival
* To participate in our outdoor swims, you must also be a member of NOWCA. Membership gives you access to over 40 open water venues nationwide for 12 months.
** Soho House Swims are open to members
Be the first to hear about upcoming events
Pride Swim Dates
Open Water Swims
Sat 1 - Sun 2 Jun – Out & Wild Festival, Lawrenny, Wales
Sat 8 Jun – London's Royal Docks
Thu 20 Jun – Leeds Dock
Fri 28 Jun – Nottingham, Notts County Sailing Club
Sat 29 Jun – Haven, Chattern Hill Community Orchard
Indoor Swims
Sat 16 Jun – Sunderland Aquatic Centre
Sat 16 Jun – Soho House 180 (Members only event)
Sat 22 Jun – Basildon Sporting Village
Mon 24 Jun – Shoreditch House (Members only event)
Sat 29 Jun – London Aquatic Centre
Sat 6 Jul – Fareham Leisure Centre
Sat 13 Jul – Bristol South Swimming Pool
Sat 3 Aug – Enderby Leisure and Golf Centre
Sun 18 Aug – Stratford Leisure Centre
Fri 23 Aug – Wythenshawe Forum
Sat 31 Aug – Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre
Sat 7 Sep – Moorways Sports Village and Waterpark
Do Your Own Thing!
If you don't live near an organised Pride Swim, you can do your own swim wherever you live (even on holiday!). Just order a Pride Swim pack from us to take part.
For a £20 registration fee, we'll send you an official branded swim cap, medal and a leaflet with hints and tips from our charity partner, Switchboard LGBTQIA+ Helpline. You will also receive a downloadable Pride Swim certificate at the end of the swim season in September.
By participating in a Pride Swim and fundraising for Switchboard, you empower Switchboard volunteers to engage in meaningful conversations with thousands of LGBTQIA+ individuals, their friends, families, and allies who seek their support each year. Your participation will make a tangible difference and help Switchboard continue to provide our vital services for another 50 years.
Our Community
Volunteering
If you'd like to volunteer with us email info@outandwild.co.uk
for more info!
During events, we will be raising money for Switchboard - in honour of their 50 years as an organisation. Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ support line, equipping the community and its allies with information and support for five decades.
Our Partners
