Question 1

What are the age limitations on the day?

Accepted Answer

All ages are your age on the day of the race, not at time of booking.

Ages 8 to 12 are in the Nippers Race - parents need to be on the Island, or can be on the water chaperoning their child. However they must not offer any physical assistance.

Ages 13 to 15 are in the Youth Race - parents must be on the island, but cannot 'follow' their child, the child needs to be sea confident and happy swimming the full 500m without needing to stop.

Anyone ages 16 or 17 can join into the full swims, with the presence of a parent in the water swimming along side, and they must always remain together.

Question 2

Where do the races start and finish?

Accepted Answer

BURGH ISLAND
We start and finish on the slipway on Burgh Island - meaning you will need to be on the island to start. 
You swim around, and finish on the Island again before enjoying a BBQ, trophy ceremony etc

THURLESTONE ARCH
We start on Leas Foot Sand, on the right hand side (when looking out to sea). The finish is on the same beach.

Question 3

Can spectators watch and how do they get access?

Accepted Answer

BURGH ISLAND
Yes, the best place to watch from is the Pilchard Pub, enjoy a pint and watch everyone set off. Once people are swimming you can walk around, or to the top of the island to get a better view of swimmers. You can catch the sea tractor across to the island, paddle or swim across. At mid and low tide you can walk across via the sandy causeway that connects to the mainland.

THURLESTONE ARCH
Spectators can watch the race from Leas Foot Sand, or walk the coast path South towards South Milton Sands, across the footbridge and closer to the Arch itself. The best place to be will be high up on the cliffs, being able to look down at the swimmers crossing the bay.

BRIXHAM BREAKWATER
This is a great swim to spectate as you can enjoy the swimming from the start and finish on the beach, or walk along the breakwater to get a different view and even walk along side your swimmer as the finish their last swim leg!

Question 4

What time do I need to arrive?

Accepted Answer

BURGH ISLAND 2026
Reg Opens: 12.30pm
Youth Race (400m): 2.30pm
Nippers Race (200m): 2.30pm
Kids Prize Giving - 3pm
Charity 1 Mile Swim:4pm
Charity 2 Mile Swim: 4pm
1 Mile: 4pm
2 Mile: 4pm
Adult 1 Mile Prize Giving - 4.45pm
Adult 2 Mile Prize Giving - 5.30pm
Course Sweep: 6pm (ish)
Sundown: 9.30pm

THURLESTONE ARCH 2026
Registration Opens for all - 1.30pm
Nippers and Youth Race Start - 2pm 
Prize giving (Nippers and Youth) - 2.30pm
3, 2 and 1 mile Swimmers (Mass Start) - 3pm
1 Mile Prize Giving's - 4.15pm
2 Mile Prize Giving's - 5.15pm
3 Mile Prize Giving's - 6.15pm
Sweep of the course - 6.30pm
Sun down - 9.30pm
Golf Club Food Available from lunchtime

BRIXHAM BREAKWATER 2026
7.30am - Registration Opens 
8.45am - Race brief on the beach
9am - 2 and 4km swimmers start
12.15pm - Prize Giving's
12.30pm - Course sweep
1pm - Nippers and Youth Swim
1.30pm - Nippers and Youth Prize Giving

Question 5

Is there a briefing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there will be a short 10 minutes brief before the first wave of swimmers starts. You need to be at the start area 15 mins before the start of your race.

Question 6

How fast do I need to swim?

Accepted Answer

ALL RACES
We do not have a pace you need to swim, however the cut offs at our races are inclusive and very generous.

For instance in the 1 mile race at  Race Burgh Island you have just over 2 hours to complete the 1 mile distance.

Question 7

What swim strokes are allowed?

Accepted Answer

Any forward facing stroke you like...doggy paddle, breaststroke, side stroke, freestyle, butterfly...you choose!

Question 8

How does the tide affect the swim?

Accepted Answer

The races are timed right around a high water, meaning that we are swimming in the slackest water.

Depending on the swell and wind direction, will determine the way which we swim - most likely it will be anti-clockwise at Burgh Island, however this may change so please be vigilant. At Thurlestone Arch we will also be swimming anti clockwise unless we have unusual swim conditions.

Question 9

What about the kids race?

Accepted Answer

The Nippers (aged 8-11) and Youth (age 12-15) races are held just in front of the slipway on Burgh Island or on Leas Foot Sand, they will swim a triangular course, which is marked with buoys/markers and fully safety covered.

Your children need to be able to swim unassisted. You can swim along side them for moral support if you need with the Nippers, but you cannot assist them in any way. If you do not wish to swim with your child, then you need to be on slipway area while your child is swimming.

Children must be in the age group, for the age they are on race day - not age at time of booking.

The Kids races are not chip timed, but each child will receive a medal, and a swim hat. There will be trophies for the kids who come 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the Nippers, and then again in the Youth races.

Your child does not have to race, they can swim for pure pleasure  and will still receive their finishers medal. We do aim for the children's races to take no more than 30 minutes.

Question 10

What sort of safety cover is provided?

Accepted Answer

We have a series of qualified lifeguards and water rescue people around the courses at roughly 200m intervals. There will be a safety power boat on patrol.

To get the attention of the safety crew, you need to shout, raise a hand, or use your whistle.

Question 11

Can I swim, I have a disability?

Accepted Answer

This is very dependent on the type of disability, it's best to get in touch with us on a case by case basis. We would love to help you conquer either of our races and are happy to help you accomplish this. You do however need to be able to swim the distance completely by yourself without the need for buoyancy help (e.g - You need a life  jacket or buoyancy aid to help you float), though you can use a helper for guidance, and extra safety measures such as a tow float for added protection.

At Burgh Island the entry, and exit is a slipway, which is fairly steep and is also uneven at points. Accessing the Island by tractor involves climbing up and down very steep steps onto the platform. At Thurlestone Arch there is soft sand to access the water, but parking disabled bays with 200m of the water.

For example we can help with:
- A vision impairment, we are happy for you and friend/guide to swim together
- If you need a walking aid, we can store this for you while  you swim

Question 12

How can I find all the info about the race?

Accepted Answer

Have read through of all the FAQ's

Look thoroughly on the website under each heading for the races

Burgh Island ABOUT
Thurlestone ABOUT
Brixham Breakwater ABOUT

F.A.Q's