Brownsea Swim
- Sep 27, 2026
About the race
The Brownsea Island Swim is the main fundraising event for the RLSS Poole Lifeguard, serving as their primary source of funding. As a registered charity and non-profit club, the organization has been providing training in lifesaving, first aid, and resuscitation skills since 1975. The event is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who also provide safety cover for various open-water, sailing, and canoeing events throughout the year.
The swim takes place at Brownsea Island, with participants starting from the castle beach. The event is managed in collaboration with Sportiva to ensure a professional swimmer experience. The club operates its own rescue fleet, including the inshore rescue boat 'Legacy!' and a low-powered craft 'Apollo', both based at Sandbanks, ensuring a high level of safety for all participants.
Sources: Poole · Brownsea Island · Sandbanks Ferry · Lilliput, Dorset · Brownsea Castle · Maryland, Brownsea Island
Course
Start line on the castle beach, Brownsea Island.
Previous editions
How to get there
Ferry departs at 06:45am for participants.
Brownsea Swim
Where to stay
Poole offers a range of stays, from traditional Victorian guest houses in the town center to boutique hotels overlooking the harbour quays. Camping options are available on the mainland near the Sandbanks peninsula, providing easy access to the ferry. Expect to pay between 120 EUR and 220 EUR per night for mid-range hotel accommodations during the end-of-September period, with prices varying based on proximity to the water.
Things to do nearby
The weekend is ideal for exploring the Purbeck coastline. You can take a kayak or SUP out to discover the secluded coves of the harbour, or walk the ridgeline of the Purbeck Hills for a panoramic view of the swimming course. Local coastal villages offer tastings of regional Dorset produce, while the nearby ruins of Corfe Castle provide a significant archaeological counterpoint to the maritime history of the island.
Swimmers
Comments
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