Great Swim Series

Discover more about the series of open water swims that have grown to become the nation’s favourite outdoor swimming events.

Thanks to our involvement which began in 2009, the British Gas Great Swim Series has doubled in size - from 10,000 swimmers to 20,000 in 2011.

See how you can take part in the series

The British Gas Great Swim Series challenges swimmers of all abilities to venture beyond their local swimming pool. Taking place at five open water venues across the UK, the series attracts a whole spectrum of swimmers looking to test themselves in an outdoor environment.

By encouraging more people to take the plunge, we’re aiming to make these events bigger and better than ever. As participant numbers have grown, support has too.  Each event’s carnival atmosphere and free attendance attracted over 85,000 thousand spectators in 2011.

Support is also flowing in from famous faces like Jodie Kidd, German Open Water swimmer Thomas Lurz and world champion Keri-Anne Payne. With event coverage televised on both BBC Two and highlights broadcast on Channel 4, it’s a great way to achieve more in the water with British Gas.