Supporting Level Water’s Epic Charity Wild Swimming Events | Red x Level Water
Written by Lydia Burdett /
At Red, we’re not alone in our belief that life’s better by the water – we work with some incredible charities who share the same ethos. Which is why we’re so proud to support the charity Level Water for their 2025 calendar of wild swim challenges and events across the UK.
Level Water offers swimming lessons to children with disabilities and is passionate about the power of swimming to change lives. In the UK, access to swimming is not equal. From physical development to social and emotional confidence, Level Water gives children with disabilities across the UK the opportunity to learn to swim as a vehicle to change their lives for the better.
Find out more at www.levelwater.org
As part of their programme to encourage more people to swim and raise much-needed funds for 1-to-1 swimming lessons, Level Water hosts four key wild swimming events every year.
These Level Water events aren’t just incredible swimming adventures – they’re a chance to make a real difference. All of the profits and fundraising from the events go to Level Water, a charity dedicated to providing bespoke swimming lessons for children with disabilities. In 2025, they’re aiming to deliver a staggering 60,000 lessons in 250 pools across the UK. By taking part, you’ll be helping children gain the confidence and skills to enjoy the water safely. And if you choose to fundraise? You’ll help 10 times as many children start their swimming journey.
Now that’s something worth diving in for!
“Each event is truly unique and offers a real sense of belonging and a feeling of being at one in the water and with the world around you. Wild swimming is a personal journey, so we created a series of glorious outdoor swimming events to suit everyone.”
Ian Thwaites, Level Water Founder and CEO
Bantham Swoosh
The Bantham Swoosh isn’t just any swim – it’s a 6km wild swimming adventure with a turbo-charged twist! Taking place on Saturday 12th July 2025, this epic journey through Devon’s stunning Avon (Aune) estuary finishes with the famous ‘swoosh’ – a natural tidal effect that rockets you towards the finish at Bantham Beach at up to four times your usual speed. Think crystal-clear waters, sandy riverbeds, and a finish-line buzz like no other. If you love open water swimming with a side of adrenaline, this is one event you won’t want to miss. And it’s just down the road from Red Equipment’s HQ, so plenty of the Red team will be there to cheer you on from the banks or join you in the water, swooshing alongside.
Bantham Boomerang
The Bantham Boomerang is a thrilling swim challenge set in Devon’s picturesque Avon Estuary. Starting at Bantham Beach on Sunday 13th July, swimmers ride the incoming tide upriver – then, as the tide turns, they ‘boomerang’ back downstream, finishing with another exhilarating ‘swoosh’ back to the beach. The total distance varies between 5 and 10km, depending on individual pace. This unique event offers an unforgettable experience for swimmers of all levels.
DART10K
The Dart10k is the UK’s original marathon-distance open water swim, taking participants on a tough but stunning 10-kilometre journey down the River Dart in Devon. It’s the swimming equivalent of running the London Marathon, so serious training is essential. Expect wild conditions, beautiful scenery, local wildlife, and the camaraderie of fellow adventurers. With food, music, and a festival atmosphere at the finish, it’s an unforgettable experience. Taking place 13-14th September 2025, again it’s right on our doorstep, so expect the Red HQ team to be out in full force.
Hurly Burly
The Hurly Burly, set in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), Wales, on 10th October 2025, is a thrilling 10km river swim through the
stunning Afon Mawddach Estuary. Starting from Barmouth, swimmers will navigate fast-moving waters, under the iconic Barmouth Bridge, with the incoming tide helping them along. It’s an exhilarating mix of wide stretches and sheltered sections, perfect for experienced outdoor swimmers. The event finishes at Penmaenpool, where warm food and firepits await.
Our partners at Level Water are offering Red customers an exclusive 50% discount on charity places for any of their river swims. From the Bantham Swoosh and Boomerang to the Dart10k and Hurly Burly, this is your chance to experience some of the most beautiful and wild stretches of water in the country.
Level Water funds specialist swimming lessons for children with disabilities across the UK, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn to swim and develop a love for the water.
By purchasing a ticket with a fundraising target, you’ll help provide 16 swimming lessons for a child with a disability in 2025.
Use code LWR50 at checkout on levelwater.org to claim your 50% discount and become part of the inspiring Level Water community.
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