NEXT EVENT - Burghley7| 02/03/2025
8:15pm
30/08/2025
Whitwell Creek
Rutland Water
In late August 2025 we are giving you the chance to experience the thrill of swimming in open water underneath the stars. This unique experience will enliven your senses and create an atmosphere you will struggle to replicate.
Our team will be on hand to ensure your safety whilst giving you the freedom to explore this environment at night.
This is not a competitive event. We encourage people to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy their time in the lake.
We are very relaxed about how long you would like to stay on the course.
After the swim we welcome you onto dry land with refreshments served by our team.
We encourage all ages and abilities to take part, You must be 10 yrs old and able to swim the distance unassisted. We don't mind how, Breaststroke is not only an option, its often preferable to soak in the atmosphere.
EventDetails
Event date: 30/08/2025 We swim into the Night!
Distances: You choose your distance in the time allocated, there are two looped courses. The main loop is approximately 600m and a short loop is 250m. You may complete as many laps as possible within the time limit.
Start time: 8:15pm
Cut Off Time: 9:45pm
Entry Fee: £35.00
Race Registration: Whitwell, Rutland Water
Start Line: Whitwell, Harbour Cafe
Entry Limit: 300
Must be 10yrs + on the night of the swim
Organisers: SwimRutland
Car Parking: Whitwell site parking included in entry
Entry includes:
Parking charges, Swim Hat, Glow Stick, Comprehensive safety cover, Full medical support, Hot drink and snacks, bag store, Showers and changing.
Loan of Safety equipment including Swim floats, Emergency Whistle, Glow Wrist Bands.
SwimRutland NightSwim finishers
SwimRutland NightSwim
SwimRutland NightSwim light show. Glow sticks in the dark.
SwimRutland NightSwim finishers
TheCourse
We give our swimmers the freedom to choose their distance. We are setting a couple of routes to suit all abilities. We have a main course of 600m. We also have a 250m loop for those wanting a more sheltered course and easier access to the shore. Complete as many laps as you like within the time allocated. Regardless of distance we will be on the shore to welcome you with food, drink and good music.
The short course
A short loop in the most sheltered section of Whitwell creek.
If you are nervous then this will be the best way to experience
night swimming. The course will never feel exposed or far from
dry land. As with all of our events, they are open to anyone who
thinks they can safely complete the distance. You can swim Front
crawl, Breast stroke, doggy paddle, whatever you need to get
round. If you complete your loop in good time and fancy another go,
we really wont mind. Go for another lap! Safety boats will be on
standby for the duration of the event so make the most of it.
The Main course. (Approximately 600m)
Areas of the course will be fairly exposed, so swimmers should be confident open water swimmers before taking on this challenge. Complete in any stroke you wish as long as you can make the distance within the cut off, we wont be judging your technique. Feel free to complete as many loops as possible within the time limit. We may be forced to alter the course if conditions are rough. Night swimming in choppy water isn't fun. In 2016 we had to make last minute changes to keep you sheltered. If this happens in 2024 you will be informed before entering the water.
Please Note. it may be necessary to restrict swimmers to the short course towards the very end of the session. You can continue to swim until 9:30pm when we must clear the water. But in those final 10/15 minutes you may be requested to swim on the short course only. It's important that we condense everyone down and safely count you out the water. The decision will be made on the evening to ensure everyone safely departs the water.
Back up course,
We will have a back up course in the event of the weather compromising safety. By entering the event you acknowledge that the course may be changed to keep everyone safe. SwimRutland reserve the right to change the course without notice if there is any doubt over the safety of swimmers. Their decision is final and will be made in conjunction with key stakeholders in this event.
EventTimetable
ContactUs
30/08/2025
9:00am Whitwell Site open
6:30pm Registration opens
7:50pm Dusk
8:00pm Event Briefing
8:10pm Lights out
8:15pm Swim start
9:30pm Short course only
9:45pm Swim finish
9:00pm - 10:00pm Food and drink
How to Find Us
Rutland Water
Bull Brigg Lane
Whitwell
Rutland
LE15 8BL
Sat Nav: Rutland Watersports, Bull Brigg lane, Whitwell LE15 8BL
The event takes place from the shore of Rutland Water in the Village of Whitwell, located on the North shore of Rutland Water between Barnsdale and Empingham.
Rutland water is scattered with facilities around its perimeter with Whitwell being its major hub for Watersports, Cycling and Climbing.
Getting to the site is easy and once you're there we have signposted the site to ensure a stress free visit. Just follow the SwimRutland signs to race registration.
GeneralInformation
Bag Drop
We have a bag drop facility for you to take advantage of. It is located at Registration. Please do not leave valuables in your bags. Items are left at your own risk.
Race Briefing
Will be conducted before you enter the water. We will cover a few general safety points and inform you of any changes or notable difference to the course. Please be at the start line at the designated time.
Start times
There is no strict start time at this event. You must enter and exit the water under the designated Gantry. It is vitally important that we count you in and out of the water. Please be patient whilst queuing to enter the lake. You are very welcome to hang back and enter at your leisure.
Registration
Open and closing times will be strictly adhered to. There are no on the day entries in this event. You must have registered in advance.
Wetsuits
They can be hired from Rutland Water sports on the evening of the swim for £5.00
Wetsuits are compulsory when water temperatures are below 16c
Water temp 2023 20c
Water temp 2024 18c
Wrist bands and Whistles
Please hand them in after your swim so we can re use them.
Parking
The Whitwell Car park is available to all our swimmers. The parking fees are included in your entry. This will be valid from 5:00pm.
Rules
Only enter and exit through the designated area.
Swim courteously at all times.
Listen to the safety crew and follow their instructions
The person registered must turn up to swim registration on the evening of the event.
Course Conditions
We may tweak the course if conditions prevent the original plan. We will always take the most sheltered option. Swimming in the dark is tough enough, without any additional problems.
What will you receive before the race?
We do not send anything out in the post. You must collect everything on the evening of the event. You should receive an automated confirmation email when you register. If you do not recieve an email please first check your junk email folder. Follow the link to the start list where you will find your name if your registration has been successful. Please allow 48hrs for the system to update.
On site facilities
There are a number of facilities on site. Permanent toilet blocks, are scattered throughout the whole site. Hot showers are available. Wetsuit hire. Refreshments are provided after the swim, you can help yourselves to these. Options before the swim are limited.
LocalExperts
If you are new to open water swimming and would like to learn a few basics before you take part in our events, we recommend booking onto the introduction to open water swimming session hosted by inspire2tri. If you can already swim and have a little open water experience then the open water swim sessions are for you. You'll find a friendly bunch of like minded people at Rutland water every Sunday morning. If its some close up refinement and specific technique work that you require their state of the art endless pool is where you need to swim. Full video analysis and action plans are available. Click on a links to find out more.