Great North Swim
Dive into nature at Windermere and swim 1 mile in the UK’s biggest open water swimming event.
About the event
Date: Friday 12th June to Sunday 14th June 2026
Location: Windermere
Distance: 1 mile
Whether you’re looking to get fit, improve your time or soak up some nature, you‘ll be part of an amazing collective experience. Dive into nature at Windermere and join us at the UK’s biggest open water swimming event.
Get in touch if you are interested in a different distance, as we also have places in the 2 miles, 5km and 10km events too - events@fightforsight.org.uk
By taking on this challenge you will be helping us to save sight and change lives.
Apply for a charity place
- Registration Fee: £30 + booking fee
- Fundraising Target: £200
Please note: the registration deadline is 12th May 2026.
When you swim with us, you'll receive:
- A Fight for Sight t-shirt
- A fundraising pack with tips and ideas to help you reach your target
- Regular contact and support from our friendly team
For more information, please email events@fightforsight.org.uk or call our office on 020 7620 2066.
Frequently Asked Questions
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I have a vision impairment, can I take part?
Yes. Please get in touch to discuss your individual needs and we can liaise with the event organisers - events@fightforsight.org.uk
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Do I need to wear a wetsuit?
Wetsuit use is optional for water temperatures of 15C or above. Swimmers choosing not to wear a wetsuit MUST use an approved high visibility tow float, swimmers wearing wetsuits can also choose to swim with a tow float.
Wetsuit rental is available from the Great North Swim's official wetsuit partner Zone3 - click here to find out more.
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What happens if I'm not able to raise the fundraising target?
We will provide you with handy tips and resources to help you reach your target. You can also get inspiration from our Fundraising Ideas. If for any reason you are struggling with your fundraising, please get in touch with our events team who will happily support you - events@fightforsight.org.uk
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When will I receive my Fight for Sight top?
You will receive your branded top in the post no later than 2 weeks prior to the event date. If you’d like your top sooner then let us know - events@fightforsight.org.uk
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I need help — who can I contact?
Contact our events team at events@fightforsight.org.uk who will happily help.
Why support Fight for Sight?
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- Every 6 minutes
- a person in the UK hears that they will lose their sight
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- Just 1.2%
- of public investment in medical research goes into eye research
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- 2.7 million
- people will be living with vision loss by 2030. We’ll make sure life after vision loss is not a lonely one
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- Almost £30m
- is how much we plan to invest across scientific and social change over the next 5 years