Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim 2024
Join us for this epic 1.4 mile open water swim in the English Channel all to fund our life saving research.
Sign up now
Event details
Discover what you can do in 2024. Take the plunge and sign up to the Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim this June! Join hundreds of other swimmers and take on an epic 1.4 mile open water swim from Boscombe Pier to Bournemouth Pier. With every stroke, you’ll be powering lifesaving research and helping us to give people more time with the ones they love.
Key details
- 2pm and 2.45pm waves sold out. 3.30pm wave is open for registrations.
- Date: Saturday 29 June 2024
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Location: Boscombe Pier to Bournemouth Pier
- Registration Fee: £50
- Fundraising target £300
What's included?
- Fundraising tips and advice to help you smash your £300 target
- Regular contact from the BHF team to support you all the way to the finish line
- A training plan created by our expert training coaches
- Access to our official Team BHF Facebook group to chat to your fellow swimmers
- A free BHF swim cap to wear with pride on the big day
- A fully supported event including a water safety team, lifeguards and medical support
- A goody bag from our official headline sponsors, Jazz Apples, including a finisher's t-shirt
- Professional photographers to capture you smashing your challenge
- A huge cheer and a well deserved BHF medal when you cross the finish line!
The swim
You’ll start at
Boscombe Pier, Undercliff Road, Boscombe, BH5 1BN. You’ll triumphantly cross the finish line at Bournemouth Pier Approach, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA.
Setting off from Boscombe Pier, you’ll swim 1.4 miles parallel to the shore and make your way towards the finish line at Bournemouth Pier. There’ll be lifeguards and medical support along the route to make sure you have a safe but most importantly, enjoyable swim!
We recommend that you wear a wetsuit to complete the challenge, as it’ll help you to float and keep you warm. If you’re an experienced open water swimmer and would prefer to take part in the challenge without one, please complete our wetsuit exemption form and email it back to us by Sunday 23 June 2024. Swimmers who are under 18 must wear a wetsuit to take part in the event.
We know that deciding what to wear can be difficult, so we have pulled together an in depth kit list for you, so you know exactly what you need for your swim.
Fundraising
Power research with every stroke
The money you raise will be funnelled into groundbreaking science and support for the people who need us most.
Creating a JustGiving page is the easiest way to get started with your fundraising. Share your page on Facebook, Instagram, via email and in your group chats with family and friends.
Smash your £300 target by midnight on Sunday 2 June 2024 and we’ll send you an exclusive Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim towel to wear with pride on the big day. And if you raise over £500 by Sunday 2 June 2024, we'll also send you a free BHF sew on badge. 
Fundraising support
When you sign up, you’ll receive a welcome pack that has everything you need to know about fundraising.
You can also visit our fundraising area to find:
FAQs
Is there an age limit on the event?
You need to be at least 14 years old to take part in the swim. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult and sign up via this form. If you would prefer to sign up offline, please complete this form and send it back to us at [email protected].
Can I take part if I have a physical disability?
If you have a physical disability or use a wheelchair, you are more than welcome to take part if you are an experienced swimmer. Get in touch with us at [email protected] so we can accommodate your needs.
I have a latex allergy. Can I wear my own swim hat?
If you have an allergy to latex, or another medical reason you cannot wear the BHF swim hat, then yes you can wear your own. Please get in touch with us at [email protected] so we can accommodate your needs.
Where does the event start and finish?
You’ll start at Boscombe Pier, Undercliff Road, Boscombe, BH5 1BN. You’ll triumphantly cross the finish line at Bournemouth Pier Approach, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA.
What happens if the weather is bad?
In the lead up to event day, our water safety team will be closely monitoring the weather and tide conditions. If the weather is bad, we may need to change the event route for safety reasons. We will let all of our swimmers know as soon as possible once any route changes are confirmed.
Do I need to wear a wetsuit?
Yes! We recommend that you wear a wetsuit to complete the challenge, as it’ll help you to float and keep you warm. If you’re an experienced open water swimmer and would prefer to take part in the event without one, please complete our wetsuit exemption form and email it back to us by Sunday 23 June 2024. Swimmers who are under 18 must wear a wetsuit to take part in the event. More information on what you should wear on the day can be found in our kit list.
How much training do I need to do?
Open water swimming is a challenge and can be a big step up from swimming in your local pool! But don’t panic – we’ve worked with our expert training coaches to create a training plan for the event, to ensure that you’ll be fully prepared to take on the challenge. You’ll receive a link to the training plan via email once you register for the event.
How do I get my free BHF merch?
Smash your £300 target by midnight on Sunday 2 June 2024 and we’ll send you an exclusive Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim towel to wear with pride on the big day. And if you raise over £500 by Sunday 2 June, we'll also send you a free BHF sew on badge.
What does the £50 registration fee go towards?
The registration fee goes towards the cost of delivering Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim. The British Heart Foundation organises the event & we therefore are responsible for all operational costs associated with putting the event on. Your registration fee contributes to these running costs and not towards any of the BHF's incredible work. We ask for a minimum fundraising of £300, so that your donations can support British Heart Foundation funded lifesaving research.
How long does it take?
The swim normally takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes to complete. We ask you to swim at your own pace, however, there is a 2 hour time limit on all swims for safety reasons.
How far out from the shore will I swimming?
You’ll be swimming just beyond the groynes between the two Piers. You’ll be supported by a professional water safety team and there’ll also be buoys in the sea to help you stay on course.
What support will be available along the route?
There’ll be a professional water safety team spread out along the route both in the sea and along the shoreline to keep you safe in the water. The route will also be marked with buoys, so it’ll be easy for you to stay on course and make your way to that all-important finish line!
Volunteer
Volunteers help make our events really special, so we'd love you to help us on the day. You could be at the finish line, cheering in our swimmers and giving out medals! If you are energetic, willing and enjoy a great atmosphere, sign up to volunteer now.
Contact us
Find out more about swimming for the BHF by getting in touch Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:00:
Tel: 0300 330 3322
WhatsApp: 07581016513
Email: [email protected]
Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim 2024
Join us for this epic 1.4 mile open water swim in the English Channel all to fund our life saving research.
Saturday 29 June 2024
Boscombe Pier to Bournemouth Pier
£50
1.4 miles / 2.3 km