FreezeFest Swimmers page
Saturday 24 January, Brockwell Lido, 10am to 1pm
Welcome to Brockwell FreezeFest! This page is for registered swimmers and contains everything you need to know to help you prepare, arrive confidently, and enjoy a safe and brilliant event.
Brockwell FreezeFest is a cold-water swimming event for seasoned cold-water swimmers. Races take place in Brockwell Lido between 10am and 1pm, with a fun, supportive atmosphere and a strong focus on safety.
Races and Times
You must attend your relevent Safety Briefing where you will be given your FreezeFest swim cap. You will not be allowed to swim unless you have attended the briefing and are wearing the cap. If you are doing more than one race you need only attend the first briefing, dependent on what heat you are doing.
• 50m swimmers – Safety Briefing 9:30am
• 100m swimmers – Safety Briefing 10:08am
• 200m swimmers – Safety Briefing 11:00am
• 4 x 50m relay swimmers – Safety Briefing 12:04pm
👉 Click here for the full swim line up.
Please check this in advance and know your race(s) and start times. Swimmers must be in the correct position at the right time. If you are not there you will miss your race.
Arrival & Registration
• If you are driving we recommend parking on the road (free at weekends) rather than the Lido car park
• Head to registration on arrival to check in and collect your event medal and goodie bag.
• Listen out for announcements and marshal instructions throughout the morning.
What to Bring
We recommend bringing:
• Warm, loose clothing for before and after your swim
• Multiple towels if you doing more than one race
• A warm hat, gloves and socks
• Flip-flops or pool shoes
• A hot drink (thermos recommended)
• Any personal afterdrop/warming kit you normally use
Cold Water & Safety
This is a cold-water event. By taking part, you confirm that:
• You are experienced in cold-water swimming
• You understand the risks associated with cold exposure
• You will swim within your own limits
• Poolside surfaces may be slippery so no running
• This is a friendly event: support your fellow swimmers and enjoy the atmosphere
Click here for Terms and Conditions.
The Swim – Key points
• The 50m solos and half the relay teams will start at the shallow end. All other swims start at the deep end
• Wear flip-flops and a warm top/coat to your start position
• These can be left in the box provided when swimming
• For the 50m solo these will be carried down to the other end for you to collect
• For the Relays we suggest you share each others warm top/coat
• Choice of stroke is up to each swimmer
• Please raise your hand when your name is called at the start of the race
• Start instruction will be: “Swimmers enter the water”, “Shoulders under”, “On your marks, get set, go [buzzer sound]”
• All swims start with shoulders under the water, including relay change overs
• No diving or tumble turns are allowed
• If the time-keepers see any divergence from these rules you will be disqualified
• Time keepers decisions are final and cannot be challenged
• Exit the water immediately if you feel unwell, dizzy, or excessively cold
• Lifeguards and safety marshals are on duty at all times
• Always follow marshal and lifeguard instructions
• Photographs will be taken during the event (see terms and conditions)
• The event will be using the whole of the pool (e.g. no public swimming)
After Your Swim
Cold water affects everyone differently. After your race:
• Dry off immediately
• Get dressed in warm layers
• Use the hot tubs provided
• Drink something warm, hot ribena will be available
• Tell a marshal if you feel unwell at any point
Winners and Trophis
The solo winners in each age category (under 45, 45 to 59, 60 and over) will be announced after each heat. The winning relay team will receive a trophy each. These can be collected from the time keeper’s desk at the pool deep end.
A full list of all places will be printed and displayed outside near the safety briefing area. These will be published later on the web site.
Spectators
• Spectators are allowed in for free, so bring your cheer squad!
• No dogs allowed
• The Spectators area will have access to the Lido Café plus merchandising stalls
• Spectators will be allowed in from 9:30am onwards. Friends of swimmers will be allowed in 9am onwards
Raffle
• Don’t forget our raffle where you can lots of lovely swimming stuff. Click here.
(If you think there is any missing information needed on this page please let us know.)
We’re delighted to have you involved and can’t wait to see you on the start line.
Swim safe, swim strong, and enjoy Brockwell FreezeFest!