BWCI Open Castle Swim
Experience the thrill of the iconic BWCI Open Castle Swim!
Organised by the Guernsey Swimming Club, this annual event invites participants aged 10+ to swim a scenic 500m route, whilst supporting local Guernsey charities.
The Club would like to extend a special thanks to the events sponsors, BWCI.
Join us for a memorable swim for a great cause!
EARLY ENTRY NOW OPEN
Sunday 9th August – 2:30pm Start
About The Swim
This event is open to all members of the public, aged 10+ on the day of the event. Although no entry fee, there is a minimum donation to take part of £6 per swimmer with all proceeds being evenly split between the chosen charities.
Swimmers will set off in batches of 50 across Havelet. Our event sponsor, BWCI, and charity representatives, will swim in the first batch of 50. Once the first batch of swimmers is far enough across the bay, the next batch will be marshalled to the slipway to start and so on until all groups have swum.
While in the water, swimmers must wear their designated swim cap. On completion of the swim, swimmers must check out with our volunteers before receiving their medal.
The eldest swimmer to complete the distance will be awarded the Bill Green Memorial Trophy. This trophy has been presented since 1996.
The Route
The swim will start from the slipway at Castle Cornet and will finish at the Horseshoe Pool at La Vallette Bathing Pools. The swim covers approximately 500m within the bay of Havelet.
2026 Charities
Event Sponsor
Frequently Asked Questions
Early online registration is now open. We encourage everyone to pre-register here. You are able to register on the day at the event starting point.
Anyone who is 10 years old by the day of the event is welcome to participate. Under 16’s will need a parent/guardian or someone over the age of 18 to sign their form as well.
The minimum donation required for registration is £6 per person. You can pre-register online here.
If you are a confident kayaker, we would love to hear from you! You can help guide the swimmers across the water. Please email social@guernseyswimming.com. The event can simply not take place without enough support.
Yes, both water and land cover will be provided to ensure participant safety throughout the event.
Yes, the oldest swimmer to complete the distance will be presented with the Bill Green Memorial Trophy.
All competitors can also keep their swim cap and a medal will be presented to you at the finish.
Although we don’t allow team entries, you can swim with family or friends in the same group. If pre-registering online, please all select the same swim group.
While there’s no strict deadline, early registration is encouraged. Early online registration will close before the event. Swimmers are still able to register on the day as always.
For all pre-registered swimmers, we will be holding pre-cap collections. Dates and times will be emailed to all registered swimmers when available. This will save you queuing for them on the day.
If you have already collected your swim cap, there is no need to check in again on the day prior to your swim. If you have not pre-collected your cap, you will need to check in with our volunteers at the event start point, near Castle Cornet slipway.