6.5K (4 miles)

Brownsea Swim

September 27, 2026
from 9:00 am

Which race? See below..

Overview

England’s most iconic island swim returns in September. It’s a complete lap of Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour.

The swim is held in the spirit of self belief and madcap adventure started by the few who wondered
if they could swim around Brownsea Island. It is not so much a race but a voyage of discovery!

The swim has been run and organised by RLSS Poole Lifeguard, since 1991 non-profit charity providing lifesaving training to the local community. The club also provides safety cover to numerous open water events. This event is their main fund raising event and primary source of funding. 

The swim is a 6.5km tidally assisted challenge. There are prizes in various categories and the swim is open to swimmers aged 18 and above on the day of the swim.

There is the option to swim in wetsuit or skins (no wetsuit). Please see the FAQs for advice on whether to take on a skins swim.
Unfortunately we can’t accommodate spectators. This is also covered in the FAQs

 

 

What you get

  • Ferry to and from Brownsea Island
  • Access to look around the island after the swim
  • Refreshments (drink & snack) after you finish the swim
  • Stunning swim with full safety cover. safety boats and marker buoys
  • Professional first aid
  • Silicone swim hats
  • Optional: Organic cotton or recycled polyester t-shirt

RACE STATS

6.5K swim

SUN 27 Sept
One lap swim
Starts & finishes at Castle Beach
Tidally assisted on both sides of the island

MIN AGE 18 on day of race
Registration opens: 6:00am
First ferry: 6:45am
Start Time: 09:00am

3.2K swim

SUN 27 Sept
One lap swim
Starts at Maryland Beach near Pottery Pier
& finishes at Castle Beach. Tidally assisted
MIN AGE
18 on day of race
Registration opens: 6:00am
First ferry: 6:45am
Start Time: 09:00am

EVENT INFORMATION

Parking & Accommodation

You register at Poole Quay in the historic Old Town area of Poole

Poole Quay is located in Poole, Dorset, with a general area postcode of BH15 1HJ, commonly accessed via The Quay. For visitors driving, the nearest main parking is the Quay Visitors Car Park, which uses postcode BH15 1SB.

  • Key Location: The Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HJ.
  • Parking: Quay Visitors Car Park (BH15 1SB).
  • Access: Approximately 10–15 minute walk from Poole Train Station.

 

Medals

There is an eco-friendly wooden medal for all finishers.

 

 

ROUTE MAPS

LOCATION

Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, BH13 7EE

Event Gallery

Thank you so much for a fantastic event. It was so well organised and so friendly. Really enjoyed the day. Thank you ?
Natalie Preston on Facebook

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