If you’ve been thinking about entering your first open water swim event, chances are you’re feeling a mix of excitement… and a few nerves.
That’s completely normal.
Swimming in a lake with hundreds of others is very different from the calm, predictable environment of a pool. But it’s also one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences in endurance sport.
Whether you’re eyeing up your first event or already signed up to something like the Cotswold Big Swim Festival, this guide will walk you through exactly what to expect - and help you choose the right distance so you can enjoy every minute of it.
First Things First: Open Water Swimming Is for Everyone
There’s a common misconception that open water events are only for experienced swimmers.
In reality, most events - including ours - are designed to be:
- Beginner-friendly
- Well-supported with safety crews
- Flexible in distance options
You don’t need to be fast. You don’t need perfect technique. You just need to be comfortable swimming the distance you choose.
How to Choose the Right Distance
One of the biggest questions first-time swimmers ask is: “Which distance should I enter?”
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
750m – 1km
Perfect for beginners or those new to open water
- Equivalent to around 30–40 lengths of a 25m pool
- A great “first taste” of event swimming
- Ideal if your goal is simply to complete the distance
1.5km – 2km
A step up, but still very achievable
- Suitable if you’re regularly swimming in the pool
- A popular choice for triathletes
- Requires some pacing, but still very manageable
3km+
For more confident swimmers
- You’ll need solid endurance and comfort in open water
- Nutrition and pacing become more important
- A brilliant challenge if you’re looking to push yourself
Simple rule of thumb: If you can comfortably swim the distance in a pool, you can likely complete it in open water. Just allow a bit extra time and energy.
What Happens on the Day?
Knowing what to expect can make a huge difference to your confidence.
Here’s how most open water events typically run:
1. Arrival & Registration
You’ll check in, collect your swim cap (often colour-coded by distance) and get any final event info.
2. Safety Briefing
Before you get anywhere near the water, there’ll be a short safety briefing. This is where organisers talk you through the course, explain how the buoys work and show you exactly where you’ll be swimming. They’ll also cover what to do if you need help, where the safety kayakers or paddleboarders will be and how to signal if something doesn’t feel right.
It’s not something to rush through or ignore - in fact, most first-time swimmers come away from the briefing feeling noticeably calmer. Once you understand the layout and know support is always nearby, the whole event starts to feel far more manageable.
3. Getting In the Water
This is often the moment where everything suddenly feels very real. The key here is not to rush - ease yourself into the water gradually, giving your body time to adjust to the temperature.
Cold water can take your breath away for the first few seconds, which is completely normal. Focus on steady, controlled breathing and give yourself a minute or two to settle. Most swimmers find that once they’ve acclimatised, the initial shock fades quickly and they start to feel much more comfortable.
4. The Start
When it comes to the start, things can feel a little chaotic, but they don’t have to be. Depending on the event, you might start in small rolling groups or as part of a larger mass start.
If you’re feeling unsure, position yourself slightly to the side or towards the back. There’s absolutely no need to sprint off with the fastest swimmers. Starting at your own pace will help you stay relaxed and in control, which is far more important than gaining a few early seconds.
5. During the Swim
This is where open water differs most from the pool:
- No walls to rest on
- You’ll need to “sight” (look up occasionally to stay on course)
- You’ll be swimming around others
Top tips:
- Start steady, not fast
- Focus on relaxed breathing
- Don’t worry if it feels messy at first (totally normal)
- Lift your head every few strokes to stay on course, but keep it quick and controlled
- If you feel overwhelmed, switch to breaststroke or float on your back to reset
- Try to find a rhythm behind or alongside swimmers at a similar pace
- Expect a bit of contact - it’s normal and rarely intentional
- Break the swim into sections between buoys to make it feel more manageable
6. The Finish
As you near the end of the swim, you’ll usually be guided towards a shallow exit point where you can stand up. That first moment your feet hit the ground often brings a huge sense of relief and a realisation of what you’ve just achieved.
From there, it’s a short walk or jog to the finish line, where you’ll be greeted by volunteers, supporters and a well-earned sense of accomplishment. It’s hard to describe just how good it feels, but for many swimmers, this is the moment they realise they’re already thinking about their next event.
Common First-Timer Worries (and the Reality)
“What if I panic?” → Roll onto your back, float, and reset. Safety crews are always nearby.
“What if I’m too slow?” → There’s no such thing. Open water events are about participation, not perfection.
“What if I can’t swim in a straight line?” → Nobody does perfectly. That’s part of the experience.
A Quick Word on Kit
You don’t need loads of gear to get started:
- Wetsuit (usually required or recommended)
- Goggles (bring a spare pair if you can)
- Swim cap (provided at most events)
Optional but helpful:
- Anti-chafe balm
- Tow float (if allowed)
- Warm clothes for afterwards
Why You’ll Love It
There’s something about open water swimming that goes beyond just the physical challenge. It’s the combination of being outdoors, surrounded by nature, and sharing the experience with hundreds of other people all taking on the same personal challenge.
There’s a real sense of community at these events — whether it’s chatting to fellow swimmers before the start, encouraging each other in the water, or swapping stories afterwards. And unlike the pool, every swim feels slightly different, which adds to the sense of adventure.
Most of all, it’s the feeling at the end that stays with you. That mix of relief, pride, and quiet satisfaction is hard to beat — especially when you realise you’ve just done something that once felt well outside your comfort zone.
Ready to Take the Plunge?
If you’ve been on the fence, take this as your sign!!
Events like the Cotswold Big Swim Festival are designed to be welcoming, supportive, and genuinely enjoyable, whether you’re swimming 750m or going long.
Choose a distance that feels right, trust your training, and go for it.
You might just surprise yourself.
