A Weekend at Lake32
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The swimmers, supporters, and volunteers who came together at this year’s Lake32 Relay created something truly special. From the moment the first tent was pitched until the final inflatable left the water, the atmosphere was one of resilience, community, and joy.
Fundraising Milestone
Before the first swimmers even hit the water, donations stood at an incredible £50,000. With the target of £67,000 in sight, hopes were high that this single event could push Level Water past the £1 million raised in one year milestone. By the end of the weekend, fundraising reached £66,000, with final totals expected to land around £70,000 – enough to support around 100 children for a whole year of swimming lessons.
Arrival and Anticipation
The Level Water team arrived at midday on Friday to beautiful sunshine and calm waters. By 8am on Saturday, hundreds of swimmers were streaming through the gates, wheeling bags, pitching tents, and turning the site into a bustling community.
Ian’s heartfelt briefing set the tone for the weekend, introducing Cheryl – who teaches swimming to 50 disabled children every week – and Charlie, one of her swimmers. Their stories reminded everyone why the relay matters, and the incredible impact fundraising has for families who are too often excluded.
The First Swims
At midday on Saturday, dark clouds threatened overhead, with forecasts predicting thunderstorms. But the skies held, letting only a few showers through. As always in the rain, the best place to be was in the water. Swimmers settled into a steady rhythm, handing over relay bands on the hour, every hour.
Among the highlights was Charlie’s incredible efforts. Not content with just one or two swims, he completed three – and wanted to keep going for a fourth. He left the lake smiling, shaking hands with everyone, and vowing to return next year. This year he also swam the Mini-Swoosh in July, his very first river swim. And he’s coming back in 2026 to do it all over again. His parents summed it up beautifully:
“It’s changed our lives being able to be part of communities like this. They are never invited, never included – and suddenly, now they can be like everyone else.”
Battling the Elements
As evening fell, strong winds swept across the lake – 20mph with gusts of 30. It took 12 people to hold down the marquees, but the swimmers pressed on undeterred, ticking off their hourly swims.
Eight solo swimmers and two duos carried on with astonishing grit, already 6–8 hours into continuous swimming as night settled in. To keep swimmers safe, the course was shortened to a 200m loop, making conditions more manageable for both athletes and water safety crews.
A special thank you goes to the safety team, who kept spirits high – not least the kayaker belting out Barbie Girl on the back straight!
Night into Day
Through the dark hours, swimmers kept the relay alive, even when 1am swims felt like “the middle of the night.” (as quoted by one swimmer!) By dawn, the storm had passed and the clouds lifted to reveal a golden sunrise. The early-morning swimmers were treated to still waters and unexpected warmth, lifting everyone’s energy for the final push.
A Joyful Finale
In the closing hour, all teams were invited into the water together for a celebratory swim. Inflatable companions joined too – most memorably a stingray and a peacock. Not the most likely pair, but a fittingly joyful sight for the end of the weekend.
Afterwards, swimmers packed up tents, said their goodbyes, and headed home to hot baths and long sleeps.
Gratitude and Impact
This Lake32 relay has been extraordinary. Not only has it pushed Level Water’s fundraising beyond £1 million in one year, but it also set a record average of £360 raised per swimmer – 30% higher than usual.
These funds will directly support local projects, including Cheryl’s swimmers in Swindon, ensuring children grow up confident and safe in the water.
To every swimmer, volunteer, and supporter: thank you. These weekends are made by you – your energy, your kindness, and your resilience. We are simply here to hold the space. A special mention to Richard, Elaine, Lee, Jo, Tim and Nathan who worked with us throughout the weekend from Friday through to Sunday - we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!
Last but not least, thank you to our hosts at Lake32 (and the cafe!) for all your efforts on the event weekend and throughout the year, it's truly appreciated.
We hope to return to Lake32 next year, and we’ll be in touch as soon as dates are confirmed.
