Hundreds of women are expected to take part in an annual sea swim.
To mark International Women’s Day, which took place last week, 500 women are due to take part in The Big Swim on Saturday afternoon, March 14, on Brighton seafront.
The annual event is organised by Brighton adventurer Nicky Chisholm, also known as Pink Nicky, who has partnered with outdoor expert Rosie Tanner.
The swim looks to unite women and celebrate the power of community, adventure, and female resilience.
With events at both Brighton Sea Lanes and Sandbanks in Poole, organisers expect it to be a record-breaking year for the swim.
Nicky said: “The Big Swim is your chance to get involved in the UK’s biggest swim to celebrate International Women’s Day. It’s a mini-adventure waiting to happen. This event will make your soul sing.”
While also celebrating women, the event has also partnered with charity Surfers Against Sewage, who are calling for radical reform in the water industry.
Swimmers are being encouraged to use the Safer Seas and Rivers Service app ahead of the swim, to check real-time water quality alerts.
Jo Morley, Head of Campaigns at Surfers Against Sewage, explained: “This is a watershed year. We are shouting louder than ever, urging the Government to end pollution. People should be free to use the water without fear of getting sick.”
She added: “People should be free to use the water without fear of getting sick, and that’s why we are demanding urgent, radical action on the broken water industry.”
Read more
The event promises a “visual spectacle” with participants are encouraged to wear “warm and sparkly” attire which hopes to brighten up the Brighton shoreline.
Whilst the day centres on women, organisers have said people of all genders are invited to join as allies for equality.
This year, The Big Swim will also welcome its first-ever wheelchair and adaptive swimmers, looking to shape future accessibility initiatives for the Brighton beach community.
The local RNLI crew will be in attendance on the day to ensure swimmers stay safe.
Additionally, following the dip, organisers have encouraged all participants to take one action to elevate a woman-led business or campaign in the city.
There are currently limited spaces available to join the swim. Remaining tickets and further information can be found via the Big Swim 2026 Brighton Eventbrite page.
Share