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- Open Water Swim Challenge 2026
Sun 14 Jun 2026
Thames Hospice, Bray
Thames Hospice Open Water Swim Challenge 2026
Date: Sunday 14 June 2026
Location: Bray Lake, at Thames Hospice Windsor Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2DN. Please note, the swim is from the Hospice side not Bray Lake Watersports.
500m Individual Swim £30: waves* start from 9:00am registration for 9:30am briefing
1km Individual Swim £35: waves* start from 9:00am registration for 9:30am briefing
3km Individual Swim £40: waves* start from 8am registration for 8:30am briefing
5km Individual Swim £45: 7.30am registration for 8am briefing
10km Team Swim (4-10 members) £50: 7am registration for 7.30am briefing
*you will be sent your wave time in an email once you have signed up
ONLY SPACES LEFT IN 500M AND 1KM
Where?
Please arrive at Thames Hospice at your allocated registration time (see times at the bottom of this email). Once parked head to the Thames Hospice flag by the side gate and you will be directed to registration. Please note, the swim is from the Hospice not Bray Lake Watersports.
Water Safety
The event is not a race and the decision you take as to whether you wear a wetsuit or not should be based on your open water swimming experience, what you have been swimming in recently and what you are comfortable in for the distance you have entered.
If you have been training using a tow float, please use it.
The Water Safety Team will be on paddleboards, kayaks and in a rescue boat watching you closely and able to direct you on the course and assist you as needed.
Parking
There is free parking at Thames Hospice however please do care share where possible with fellow swimmers and spectators to ensure spaces for everyone.
Road Closures
The Royal Windsor Triathlon is taking place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, around Alexandra Gardens. Road closures and diversions will be in place throughout the morning and early afternoon and may affect your journey to the swim.
Please allow plenty of time to arrive for your registration time.
Click here for further information about closures.
Facilities
There are no changing facilities available, you will need to change outside or under our marquee. Feel free to come dressed ready to swim.
This marquee can also be used to store belongings for the duration of your swim. Unfortunately we can't monitor this area so cannot take responsibility for any items you do decide to leave.
There will be toilets at registration.
Food and drink
You will receive a free hot drink after your swim. Hot food and drinks are also available to buy in the Thames Hospice café with an exclusive swim brunch deal available.
Spectators
Friends and family are welcome to come and watch and support on the day. The team will be taking videos and photos and to capture this wonderful event.
Dogs
You're welcome to bring your furry friend but please ensure they are kept on a lead and all messes cleaned up.
Dive into this exciting event at Thames Hospice this summer with our Open Water Swim Challenge in Bray Lake.
Our open water swim challenge has a range of distances, which you can swim as an individual or as part of a team. This challenge is open to all swimmers whether you are a seasoned pro and can manage longer distances or you have only swum in a pool before but always fancied dipping into open water. Not only will you be swimming in tranquil surroundings, but also engaging in an activity that has so many incredible health and wellbeing benefits.
All participants will receive a swim hat, medal and free hot drink on the day.
Watch out highlights video year here
“I took part in the 5k and it was my first ever open water swim event. It was a brilliant challenge and I’m incredibly proud of myself for completing it. The event had such a lovely atmosphere, and the organisation and water safety were excellent, this really helped calm any nerves I had going in. Everyone was so friendly and supportive. I’d highly recommend this event, especially for anyone considering their first open water swim”
Sue - 2025 Swimmer
Every penny raised helps Thames Hospice to ensure that our patients and their families are cared for with utmost compassion, dignity and support.
Any questions read our FAQs here or email events@thameshospice.org.uk
Click the button below to sign up now!
