Shepperton Wild Swim Relay 2025: Here we go again!
Lake Legend, Helen Smith swims solo for 24hrs (Photo by @ninasarfasphotography)
Now in its fourth year, the Shepperton Wild Swim Relay continues to be a flagship event in Level Water’s calendar, and 2025 was no exception. Each year, lake owners Hannah and Emma generously open up their beautiful venue so Level Water can bring together a community of swimmers for a challenge like no other: 24 hours of relay swimming to raise funds that open up the joy of swimming to children with disabilities.
Arrival and Atmosphere
From 8am on Saturday, swimmers began arriving on-site. The Level Water team, who had been on location since Friday, had already created a warm, vibrant, and inclusive space for teams to pitch tents, settle in, and prepare for the hours ahead. Among the early arrivals were the ADOWS Ducks (Adaptive Disabled Open Water Swimmers), captained by Sophie Etheridge – a core member of Level Water’s Event Access Advisory Committee and an inspiring figure in the adaptive swimming community. But this year, Sophie brought someone very special with her.
A Special Swim: Sophie and Oona
In 2023, Sophie completed one of the longest and toughest English Channel swims ever recorded. Hundreds followed her journey, but one young fan in particular – from over 400 miles away – followed every single stroke. From her home in Edinburgh, 8-year-old Oona, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, watched Sophie’s swim with awe and devotion. She asked her mum morning, noon, and night: “Has she made it yet?” Oona lives for swimming. For her, it’s freedom. Over the following months, her family reached out to Sophie and the two stayed in touch. Their connection deepened, and last year, they met in person for the first time. This weekend, at the 24-Hour Relay, they met again and jumped straight into the lake together. Oona, now 11, arrived at Shepperton filled with excitement. The Level Water events team supported her down to the water’s edge, where Sophie was waiting. They set off into the lake, Oona swimming fast and confidently, cheered on by a crowd of smiling swimmers and supporters. It was a moment of pure joy. A shared swim that spoke to everything this event is about: access, representation, connection, and freedom. As Oona later said: “Swimming is where I feel free.”
The Swim Begins
At 11.30am, swimmers gathered for the official briefing. Final safety notes were shared, wristbands checked, and energy levels ran high. Just before midday, teams assembled at the water’s edge, ready to begin the challenge. At 12 noon sharp, the first swimmers entered the lake and the 24-hour countdown began. Teams handed over the iconic pink relay wristband on the hour, every hour, through rain, cold, nightfall, and sunrise. Saturday’s weather was nothing short of resilience-building. Heavy rain and the looming threat of thunder could have shaken morale, but instead, the energy stayed high. Smiles, singing, and hot chocolate kept spirits lifted as swimmers embraced the adventure.
Going It Alone (or in Pairs)
This event isn’t just about relay teams — it’s also about the individuals and duos who take on the full 24 hours with grit and determination. One of those was Helen Smith, a stalwart of Shepperton solo swims and someone who’s quietly working toward taking on every Wild Swim Relay that Level Water offers. Her quiet strength and dedication are an inspiration to everyone on the lake. Also swimming as a duo were Richard and Elaine, two of our incredible volunteers who somehow managed to juggle both their own 24-hour challenge and supporting the smooth running of the event. When they weren’t in the water, they were checking other swimmers in and out, offering words of encouragement, and keeping the relay going behind the scenes. These swimmers reminded us that this event is as much about endurance and courage as it is about community.
Night Swims: A Unique Kind of Magic
As evening fell, the lake was transformed. Spectators were kindly asked to leave to preserve the peace and safety of the night. The course was marked with illuminated buoys, water safety staff wore light-up vests, and swimmers donned headlamps to guide their way. Though some entered the water with nerves, what followed was something truly special. The darkness became calming, the water felt silky, and the lake was filled with gentle conversations, laughter, and quiet companionship. The overnight swims have become one of the most cherished aspects of this event — an ethereal, dreamlike experience that bonds teams in a way that daylight never could.
The Final Push: Sunrise and Celebration
Sunrise on Sunday was a welcome sight. The clouds parted just enough to let the sunlight through, promising a warm, clear finish to a physically and emotionally charged 24 hours. By 11am, the atmosphere had shifted into full celebration mode. For the final hour, all swimmers were invited back into the lake for a shared lap of victory. Teams entered the water together and completed the final circuit as one. As swimmers emerged through the archway for the last time, their faces showed everything: joy, relief, pride, exhaustion, and connection. After a weekend of weather extremes, minimal sleep, and cold water, they had achieved something incredible — together.
Acknowledgements and Impact
A huge thank you goes to the people who made this event possible:
Swim Safety, for their round-the-clock vigilance, calm presence, and dedication to keeping every swimmer safe
Square Knot Medical, who provided exceptional care and reassurance to swimmers throughout the weekend
And, as always, to Hannah and Emma, our lake hosts, whose continued generosity and belief in Level Water’s mission create the foundation for this extraordinary event
A Challenge with Purpose
At the time of writing, this year’s Relay has raised an incredible £82,842 for Level Water. That means hundreds more 1-to-1 swimming lessons for children with disabilities — opening up their local pools, building water confidence, and giving them the chance to feel the same joy and freedom that fuels every swimmer at this event.
Every lap swum, every night shift endured, and every pound raised brings us closer to a world where all children — like Oona — can experience the simple, transformative joy of being in the water.
💧 £15 = One Lesson
Let’s keep going. Let’s open up swimming for every child who needs it.
Photos by Nina Sarfas @ninasarfasphotography
