FAQs
Got a question? Check out the information below and if you still have a query, email us or call 0113 826 7760.
- Is there an age restriction?
All participants in the 1500m swim must be 18 years or over on the day of the event. Please note that the 500m swims are two separate events, an OPEN 500m swim, and a JUNIOR
500m swim.
Participants in the JUNIOR 500m swim must be between 12 - 17 years of age.
For those swimmers participating in the 500 metre Event who are under 18 years of age
parental/guardian approval must be obtained. All swimmers participating in the 500 metre Event
who are 16 year of age and under must be accompanied by a parent/guardian for the duration of
the event.
Participants in the OPEN 500m swim must be 18 years or older.
- I have never swam in open water before can I still enter?
We anticipate that a lot of the participants in the Yorkshire Swimming Festival may have never swam in open water before . However, as long as you have undertaken appropriate swimming training in a swimming pool, and can competently achieve the distance you have entered, we see no issue as to why you should take part! However, please consider that open water events are more demanding than training in a swimming pool.
- Can I enter if I have a disability?
Anyone can enter the Yorkshire Swimming Festival, as long as you are capable of completing the distance that you have entered. However, the Yorkshire Swimming Festival includes dry-land sections at the start and finish, and therefore may not be suitable for all swimmers.
If you would like to enter, but are unsure of the suitability of the course for you, please e-mail us.
- Can I use any further swimming aids such as flippers/snorkel?
No. We do not permit the use of swimming aids including, but not limited to, flippers, hand paddles, snorkels or any other floatation device that could assist your swim or potentially affect the safety of the other participants.
- Do I need to wear a wetsuit?
Wetsuits are compulsory in each of the three swimming events. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a suitable, well fitting wetsuit, designed for open water swimming, which provides extra buoyancy and warmth. You will not be allowed to enter the water without a wetsuit, or if your wetsuit is ill-fitting.
- What type of wetsuit should I wear?
Please refer to the Wetsuit hire section of the Swim For All website for further information regarding the type of wetsuit you should be wearing for the swim.
- Will I receive anything in the post?
Yes. You will receive a Swim Information Pack which include information on your wave start time and general swim day information. This should arrive approximately 4 weeks before the event.
- Will I need to register on the day?
Yes you will need to register yourself on the morning of the event when you will receive your timing chip and numbered, wave specific (colour coded) swimming cap. Junior participants must also ensure that a parent/guardian over the age of 18 is present during registration and for the duration of the event.
- I am in a different start wave to my friend, can I change and swim with them?
Unfortunately not. In line with Health and Safety advice, waves are based on swimmers predicted finishing times and have a set capacity.
- Will I receive anything when I cross the finish line?
All finishers will receive a memento swim t-shirt once you have passed through the finishing channels where you will be required to hand in your timing chip and collect your shoes.
- Where can I find my official event time?
All official timings for the OPEN events will be available online via the Swim For All website after the event.
- Where can I find official event photography of myself after the event?
To view photos of yourself taking part in the event, please visit the Swim For All. Photos should be available shortly after the event. Please note that unfortunately we cannot guarantee all swimmers will have a photo of themselves.
- I can no longer take part in the swim can I get a refund?
All fee's are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to participate in a swim due to incurring an injury or developing a medical condition, we may, at our discretion, refund the fee subject to the provision of medical evidence.
Swim For All Deferment Policy
If you are unable to participate in a swim for any reason other than medical, it is possible to defer your entry until the next year. You will be eligible for a guaranteed entry into the 2012 swim event,but entry will be subject to the standard entry fee on registration.All requests to defer must be made before the event.
- What will happen if the event is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances?
Due to the nature of outdoor swimming, Swim For All may cancel the Yorkshire Swimming Festival prior to or on the day of the events due to unforeseen circumstances, which may include bad weather or unsuitable water quality/temperature.
In this circumstance, we will endeavour to re-arrange to an alternative date or venue. In this case, you will have the option to take part in the rescheduled event or have your entry fee refunded unless you have indicated on your initial registration that you wish your entry fee to be donated to charity.
In the unlikely event that the event is cancelled, your entry fee will be refunded, unless you have indicated on your initial registration that you wish your entry fee to be donated to charity.
