Bantham Local Traffic Information 2026
Bantham Swoosh - Saturday 18th July 2026 (06:00 - 15:00)
Bantham Boomerang - Sunday 19th July 2026 (05:30 - 15:00)
We understand the importance of having a detailed, prepared traffic management plan in place for the 18/19th July, given the impact that increased traffic has on you, the local residents.
We know that the number of cars into the area will be significantly increased as a result of the swim, and that if it is a sunny day, plenty of non Swoosh-related traffic will also be coming into the area. As a result we have put a number of steps in place to ensure that we have the best possible chance of managing a smooth flow of traffic throughout the day. These are;
Professional traffic management (Core Highways) to manage the traffic on the day.
Improved communications to ensure open communication between key traffic management points. To make this possible, a portable radio mast will be erected for the day in the middle, highest point of Bantham Cross.
Fewer cars in Bantham. Cars are split between Aveton Gifford and Bantham, with spectators and swimmers utilising our shuttle coaches and popular guided walking routes for spectators.
Traffic management planning trips. We have conducted a number of planning trips to Bantham with regular meetings with The Bantham Estate and both Aveton Gifford and Thurlestone Parish Councils.
Advanced warning signs will be in place two weeks before the event.
Our traffic staff
All traffic management associated with the Bantham Swoosh and Boomerang swims will be managed by the Traffic Management contractor Core Highways.
Through the event, a number of marshals will manage traffic into the event parking areas and along the traffic routes. Some of these will be kind-hearted volunteers who are giving up their free time to help out. Please be kind to them. If you need to direct any traffic feedback (on the day or otherwise) - please contact Lucy on 07912 432 660 or lucy@levelwater.org.
Saturday 18th & Sunday 19 July - One way system
In order to manage traffic flow in and out of Bantham for the Bantham Swoosh & Boomerang, we will utilise a one-way diversion system as shown by the map below.
Purple route: Inbound route for all vehicles
Yellow route: Outbound route for all vehicles
Blue route:
Please note;
Inbound traffic TO Bantham will be via Bantham road (shown in purple below).
The one-way inbound route applies to Bantham road from Outside cafe through to Bantham beach.
Outbound traffic from Bantham will be via Buckland towards A381 (the yellow route).
These diversion routes have been chosen to reduce traffic build up and main flows in all directions, and hopefully to minimise impact on local residents.
Approximate timings
06:00 (Sat), 05:30 (Sun): One way system is implemented.
We expect the peak of inbound traffic between 06:00 - 08:30 on both days.
We expect the peak of outbound traffic between 12:00 - 14:30 (Sat) & 11:30 - 13:00 (Sun)
15:00 - onwards (both days): All roads open as normal.
Emergency Access
Emergency access will be maintained throughout the event via the one way system.
Advance Warning Signage
Advance warning signage will be installed in advance of the event as per Devon County Council’s stipulation. This will be supplied and maintained by our traffic management contractor (Core Highways).
Aveton Gifford - Timbers Yard Car Park
(Only applicable on Saturday 18th July)
Please note that, as in previous years, the Timbers Yard car park will be utilised for swimmer drop off and coach turning on the morning of the event.
If possible, it would be advisable to avoid using the car park on the morning of the swim, from 0600 - 1030. We will be cordoning off a number of parking spaces that we require for the event from 5pm Thursday 16th July, the spaces that we require are shown in the image below.
We are blocking off these spaces in order to make room for disabled swimmers drop off and coach turning, however the remaining spaces will be available if residents do need to utilise the car park on this day.
The first coach is due to arrive at the Timbers Yard car park from around 7:15am and then there will be a steady flow of coaches until approximately 10:00am. Normal parking spaces will be resumed around 10:30am.
Our traffic management team are briefed to only allow residents into the Timbers Yard car park, and will not allow any general visitors or Bantham Swooshers to park in the car park on the morning of the swim. All coaches are also briefed not to drive through Fore Street.
Become a volunteer?
To help the Bantham Swoosh & Boomerang events run as smoothly as possible, we’re looking for a few local people to volunteer and help us out on the day. Local knowledge is very helpful for us so if you’d like to volunteer, please email volunteers@levelwater.org
Contact Us
If you have any questions, you can email lucy@levelwater.org or phone her on 07912 432660
Level Water: The Power of Swimming
All the profits and funds raised from the Bantham Swoosh & Boomerang go to Level Water who provide 1-1 swimming lessons for children with disabilities.
The best way to truly understand what that means to those children and their families is to watch this video.
Some of the children who Level Water teach to swim take part in the Mini-Swoosh.
A heartwarming moment as they simply wouldn’t have been able to take part if it wasn’t for the swimmers taking on the Bantham Swoosh.
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