Question 1

When can I enter?

Accepted Answer

2027 events go on sale on 4 June 2026.

Ticket sales will be available until sold out.

Charity tickets for Hampton 2026 are on sale until SOLD OUT

Question 2

Will you be hosting any other Swim the Night events?

Accepted Answer

Our 2027 events are at Guildford Lido on 24-25 April 2027, and Hampton Open Air Pool on 2-3 October 2027. Ensure you sign up to our newsletter and follow our socials @swimthenight to find out more. 
There are still a few charity places available for Hampton 2026.

Question 3

How much does it cost to enter?

Accepted Answer

Guildford Lido 
24km Individual £299 / 24 mile Individual £349
12km Individual £169 / 12 mile Individual £199
24km Team £339 (per team 2-4) / 24 mile Team £389 (per team 2-4)
12km Team £209 (per team 2-4) / 12 mile Team £239 (per team 2-4)
- or, grab a half price charity entry and raise money for Aspire.
Please note, an Active transaction fee will also apply at checkout.

Hampton Open Air Pool  
12km Individual £169 / 12 mile Individual £199
12km Team £209 (per team 2-4) / 12 mile Team £239 (per team 2-4)
- or, grab a half price charity entry and raise money for Aspire.
Please note, an Active transaction fee will also apply at checkout.

Question 4

Will the event still run in bad weather?

Accepted Answer

Swim the Night is outdoors and we will keep the event running in most conditions, which is all part of the experience of swimming outside.

Should there be local lightning strikes close to the venue, the event will be paused. We will only re-enter the water once a clear 5 minutes has passed since the last local lightning strike (following venue rules).

During the event, at any stage, even mid-swim, we may need to pause the event if, for example, local lightning is looking likely. Should a cessation of a hour’s swim be necessary, for whatever reason, that particular hour’s swim will be terminated immediately and all swimmers must exit the pool promptly, dry off and gather inside the venue. The times for all swimmers will be recorded at the time of the cessation of that hour’s swim.

The event will only be allowed to continue from 5 minutes since the last local lightning strike or at the next starting point (e.g. the next hour). In the event of a re-start being possible between the hour and 15 mins past the hour, then the event will continue as normal.

However, in the event of a re-start being possible between 16 mins and the next hour, that particular hour’s swim will be void and no swim/further swimming will be possible for that hour. These rules will be applied to ensure the safety of all swimmers.

Question 5

What distances challenges are available?

Accepted Answer

Swim the Night Guildford includes a 1km per hour (12km and 24km) and a 1 mile per hour (12 mile or 24 mile) challenge. Swim the Night Hampton  includes a 1km per hour (12km) and a 1 mile per hour (12 mile) challenge.

Challenges can be done as an individual or as a team.

Question 6

My preferred distance / category is SOLD OUT - is there a waiting list?

Accepted Answer

There is NO a waiting list. If the category you are looking for is SOLD OUT, we recommend that you do the following:

Swim for charity - our wonderful charity partner, Aspire
Change your distance, where there may be capacity
Register your interest, as if more places are generated later in the campaign, we'll be fair to everyone and let you all know of the new availability. It will then be first come, first served.
Keep checking the entry page, as if someone cancels their place or transfers, then this may free up some space in the distance, which will be available for anyone to enter. Please note that participants manage their own places and they transfer or cancel themselves, so we as organisers do not necessarily know when places come available

We're sorry that we cannot accommodate all interest, but pool swimming is significantly limited by capacity, moreso than most other sports.

Question 7

What happens if I register for a charity place?

Accepted Answer

If you register for a charity place, you’ll be able to sign up for half price, in return for pledging to raise a minimum of £350 (12 hours challenges) or £450 (24 hour challenges). All the funds raised support Aspire and people paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury in the UK, so please aim high!

Question 8

Can I still fundraise for Aspire if I don’t take a charity place?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! All the money you raise goes to support the work Aspire does helping people with spinal cord injuries in the UK, so anything you raise is hugely appreciated.

Question 9

What does the charity partner Aspire do?

Accepted Answer

Every two hours someone is paralysed by a Spinal Cord Injury, and there is no cure. Aspire offers practical services to support people in living independent lives, with accessible housing across the UK, welfare benefits and money matters advice, assistive technology and independent living support. By raising funds for Aspire you’ll help support people from injury to independence. For more information or fundraising support, please contact kathryn.boyd@aspire.org.uk.

Question 10

How do I enter my team mate?

Accepted Answer

If you have purchased a team place (teams of 2-4), your team mate needs to enter themselves (you cannot enter for them).

You will already have purchased the place, so there is nothing for your team mate to pay, unless they decide they want to buy a t shirt, swim cap, camping or other options.

First give your Team Name and Team Password to the person who you want to join your team. This will enable them to find and then enter the event as part of your team.

To enter they will need to go to this link to enter and then select 'Swim the Night - Prepaid Team Member', with your team name and password to hand. After completing the questions, once submitted they will then be the second person in your team.

Question 11

Is the pool heated?

Accepted Answer

Guildford (April) is heated to around 18-20oC during winter months.

Hampton (October) is heated to 28oC all year round.

Question 12

Can I choose my start time?

Accepted Answer

All start times will be allocated. Your start times are either on the hour or on the half hour, to help spread the participants evenly over the hour. However, if we have placed you in a different start time to your friend, please let us know and we can see if we can change one of you (subject to availability).

Start times for all 24 hour challenges (and Swim the Day) are 07:00
Start times for all 12 hour Swim the Night challenges are 19:00

Question 13

If I can't make it, can I get a refund or defer?

Accepted Answer

You are not able to defer or get a refund, but we do have a flexible policy to help you, should you need it.

Firstly, when you enter you may be automatically offered Active Insurance (from the registration platform). This is an extra payment, but will mean that you may be able to get the majority of your entry fee (not Active transaction fee) back. Please see their terms and conditions. Any questions about this insurance (if offered) needs to be directed to Active.com.

If you did not buy  Active Insurance (or if it was not offered), you can transfer your place to someone else. This can all be done via your Active account. Transfers must be completed before the event registration closes, which is typically one week before the event. There is a transfer fee of £20 for all transfers.

If there are more than one Swim the Night event in a calendar year, then you may transfer your place to another Swim the Night event. All transfers are subject to availability.

If you did not purchase Active Insurance, are not able to transfer to another Swim the Night event in the same calendar year, and are not able to transfer your place to another person/team, then you can cancel your place (by email). Any cancellation must be before the event date. Once we have received your emailed cancellation, we will then place you on a list to receive a priority entry period for next year's events, along with a discount code.

Question 14

Is food included?

Accepted Answer

As part of your entry, you will get a Midnight BBQ and our Breakfast of Champions.

More detail on what is available will be shared in your info pack. It is recommended that you bring your own snacks, energy gels, drinks etc to ensure you are well fuelled.

Spectators/Helpers have the ability to buy the Midnight meal or Breakfast of Champions as part of their entry.

Question 15

Is there an age limit?

Accepted Answer

In order to register online, participants must be 18 years of age. We may accept younger entrants, however we ask that you speak to us first so that we can assess whether the event is suitable. 18 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Please email info@swimquest.uk.com or call Alice on +44 7825 301443.

Question 16

Can under 18's swim in the event?

Accepted Answer

We do allow under 18's to take part. However, due to the nature of the challenge and the time of day that the event takes place, we do insist on the following to ensure appropriate safeguarding:
The under 18 must be a proven very competent swimmer - this will be asses by the Swim the Night team
The entrant must be at least 15 on or before the first day of the event
The under 18's parent/guardian must enter them on their behalf
The under 18 needs to have a responsible adult look after them at all times at the event. This includes during a parent/guardian's swim
The under 18 can take on any challenge apart from individual 24 hour challenges; 1 mile individual challenge and 1km individual challenge
The parent/guardian must email us to notify us of an under 18 entry at the time of entry - please email; info@participationsport.com

Question 17

Can under 18's spectate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course, but due to the lateness of the hour, we do request that any under 18 spectating at the event has a responsible adult with them at all times (not in the water).

Under 18's cannot register for a Spectator place themselves, but spectator passes can be simply added to any registration - either at time of entry of by logging back in at a later date.

Spectator wristbands are collected at the event registration marquee on arrival at the event

Question 18

Can I wear a wetsuit?

Accepted Answer

Wetsuits are permitted at Guildford, however they are not permitted at Hampton Pool. Pool temperature in Guildford is likely to be between 18-20oC and at Hampton the Pool is heated to 28oC year-round.

We do encourage you to bring plenty of towels and warm, dry clothes for between your swims.

Question 19

I have a medical condition, can I still enter?

Accepted Answer

If you are in any doubt you should seek medical advice from your doctor and ensure you are in good physical and mental health to complete the event.

Question 20

Is the event safe?

Accepted Answer

Swim the Night involves swimming through the night (and day, if you are completing our 24 hour challenge) with multiple entries and exits from the water. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the event.

Whilst the utmost care is placed upon the safety of all swimmers, officials, supporters, bystanders and helpers, entrants undertake the event at their own risk. Swimming carries an inherent level of risk that whilst reduced by the safe planning of the event can not be entirely mitigated due to the nature of the challenge. The event organisers have the authority to cancel, postpone or change the event to ensure the safety of swimmers and all involved. Individuals who, in the opinion of the event directors or safety marshals, are either at risk or putting others at risk during the event will be removed from the event. By entering the event you confirm that you can swim confidently in a lane environment and agree to abide by the guidelines imposed by the event organisers.

Question 21

Can I wear fins, hand paddles or pull buoys?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately not. No swimming aids are permitted. We understand that many people like to swim with them, but for the safety of others in the pool, we cannot not allow any swim aids for this event.

Question 22

Are spectators allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course. We encourage all participants to have at least one other support person available for the full event. This could be another participant, or it could be a spectator who is attending to support your swim. 
In addition to your support person, other spectators are very welcome to attend and can do so for free. We ask that they are registered via your Active login beforehand however. Spectators and helpers should bring their own food and drink.

Registered spectators are given a wristband, which must be worn at all times. If you have booked an event tent.camping pitch, your registered spectators can use your tent.

Question 23

How are different swim speeds accounted for?

Accepted Answer

Each of the lanes will be designated for a different speed of swimmer. This will help place swimmers in a lane of similar swim speeds, limiting the amount of overtaking needed to be done and helping to improve the event experience for all.

Question 24

Can I swim in the same lane as a friend?

Accepted Answer

Lane allocation is decided by the event organisers on the basis of swim speed and distance. We manage the lane allocation on the basis of speed to ensure a good event experience for all. After all, no-one wants to constantly overtake or be overtaken!

Question 25

As a team, can we swim at the same time?

Accepted Answer

No. The challenge is to swim 1km or 1 mile every hour. Teams can split up their swims in any way they wish (i.e. you can alternate hours, or take sections of the night each), but only one member of the team can swim at any one time or in any one hour.

Question 26

There are 2 start times - can I request a different start time?

Accepted Answer

The start times are either starting on the hour, or on the half hour. Start times will be communicated to all participants within 1 week of the event. Participants are equally split between the two start times and any changes will be subject to availability.

Question 27

Are there any prizes?

Accepted Answer

Swim the Night is a challenge rather than a race. Participants will be awarded a medal on completion of their challenge. The event is not timed and there is no event placings or prizes.

Question 28

How do I know when I have finished my swim?

Accepted Answer

Participants will need to count their laps. Each hour you will be required to swim:

1km / hour - 29 laps of Hampton's 36m pool (totalling just over 1km - 1,044m)
1mile / hour - 45 laps of Hampton's 36m pool (totalling 1,620m)

1km / hour - 20 laps of Guildford's 50m pool (totalling 1,000km)
1mile / hour - 32 laps of Guildford's 50m pool (totalling 1,600m)

Your team mate or spectator can also assist with lap counting, if required. You will exit the water at the shallow end and enter at the deep end to help us regulate safe entry and exit.

Question 29

What happens to our clothing/equipment?

Accepted Answer

There are padlock and £1 coin lockers available, and we recommend these are used. If you have booked an event tent, then you can leave clothing/equipment in your tent while you are swimming. The tents are not monitored, but only event staff, lifeguards and registered participants and spectators of the event are allowed in the venue.

Question 30

I have a discount code, but did not use it when entering. Can I get refunded some of the entry fee?

Accepted Answer

Discount codes are only valid for your entry at time of registration and cannot be used retrospectively.

Question 31

What happens if I am not able to complete the distance?

Accepted Answer

The Swim the Night team and supporters will do their best to encourage everyone to complete the challenge. If you are not able to continue due to a medical reason, we have a warming room, where our medics will be able to assist you.

Medals are only awarded to those completing the full distance.

Question 32

What strokes can I use?

Accepted Answer

Only front crawl/freestyle and breaststroke are permitted. Backstroke and butterfly are not permitted as they may be a risk to others in the lane.

Question 33

Can I sleep during the night?

Accepted Answer

If you have entered as a team, then you may have some time for some sleep, especially if you arrange your swim shifts in hour blocks (e.g. 9pm-12am one team member, 1am-4am another team member etc). The event tent will be ideal for team members to get a rest in between their swims.

If you are taking part as an individual, you are less likely to have a chance for sleep. If you are swimming 1km in 25 mins, then you will only have 35 mins remaining before your next swim starts, and you'll need to dry off, grab a bite to eat and prepare for your next swim.

However, having a tent is very useful and if you're prepared, you may be able to get some short sleeps in between each swim.

Question 34

I have entered, but can I log back in and hire a tent?

Accepted Answer

Yes - use your Active login to log back in, visit Purchase merchandise and then you'll be able to add more items to your entry. All merchandise/additional purchases need to be confirmed two weeks prior to the event and all are subject to availability.

Question 35

Can I add to my entry (merchandise, camping or food)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, simply log in to your Active account (see below question) and select ADD MERCHANDISE - this will take you to where all of the additional items for purchase/hire are.

Question 36

How do I log on to my Active account?

Accepted Answer

To logon you'll need your email and password you set for your Active registration. Please use this guide.

To login to your Active account, please click here

Question 37

Can I transfer my place?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can transfer your place to another Swim the Night challenge distance or to someone else.

Transfers to another challenge distance: 
You can transfer to another challenge distance ONLY if there is space in that category. Transfers must be completed prior to the challenge closing registration, which is typically one week prior to the event. There is a transfer fee of £20. Any uplift in fees will need to be paid, e.g. when transferring to a longer distance or team challenge. No refund is given for any down-shift of distance.

Transfers to another person:
You can transfer your place to someone else. All transfers must be completed two weeks before the challenge. If you are transferring from a team place, you will need to contact us on info@participationsport.com to assist you. There is a transfer fee of £20.

Transfers to another Swim the Night event:
These can only be done in the same calendar year.

To action your transfer, please log into your Active account and follow the steps from there. To get assistance with logging back in, please see the relevant FAQ on this matter.

Question 38

How many swimmers will there be in a lane?

Accepted Answer

At Guildford (50m), there will be max 12 swimmers in a lane at one time, and at Hampton (36m) max 10 swimmers. Swim start times will be either on the hour or the half hour (allocated at registration). For lanes with swimmers likely to take more than 30 minutes to complete their swim distance, the number of swimmers allocated to these lanes will be adjusted accordingly to ensure the maximum number of swimmers per lane doesn't exceed 12 (Guildford) and 10 (Hampton).

Question 39

When the general entry places are sold out, will there be any further releases of tickets?

Accepted Answer

When the general entry places are sold out, the only way to enter the event is via a charity ticket, where you agree to fundraise for our charity partner.

From time to time, entrants with general entry tickets may cancel their place. If this happens then their general entry place will be placed back on sale. This can happen at any time. The event organisers do not know when this may occur as the cancellation can be administered directly by the entrant.

Question 40

As a team, can we share the 1km/1 mile swim?

Accepted Answer

No, you can't share any hour's swim (1km or 1 mile), but as a team you do share the overall distance.

Teams can be 2-4 members, and the number of swims each team member makes is up to you (and can be equal or unequal), so if you're doing the event as a team of 4, then you could swim in the following pattern (as an example, other patterns are possible):

Team member 1 - 7pm, 11pm, 3am, 4am 
Team member 2 -  8pm, 12pm, 5am
Team member 3 -  9pm, 1am, 6am
Team member 4 - 10pm, 2am

Question 41

Is there hot water available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have a large urn of hot water available throughout - for teas, coffees, hot chocolates or just to fill your hot water bottle

Question 42

How can I claim on the Active Refund Insurance?

Accepted Answer

Active Refund is paid for insurance offered at entry (only). This insurance is operated solely by Active Networks and Swim the Night does not have any sight of who has or hasn't purchased the insurance.To make a claim, please visit the Active website.

Frequently asked questions