Brighton and the wider South East have a growing and well-organised open water swimming calendar. The 2026 season is a particularly special one: this summer marks the 90th running of the Brighton Pier to Pier, one of the oldest sea swimming races in the world. Add to that Swim Brighton, returning to Sea Lanes in July, and a strong lineup of events along the Sussex and South Coast, and there is a sea swim to suit every level.

Open Water Swimming Events in Sussex and the South East: 2026

Brighton Pier to Pier (90th Anniversary) - 27 June 2026. Brighton Seafront | 1km / 3km | All levels / Experienced

River Arun Swim - 27 June 2026. Ford to Littlehampton, West Sussex | 3.8km | Intermediate and above

Boscombe to Bournemouth Pier - 27 June 2026. Bournemouth, Dorset | 2.25km | All levels, 14+

SE Region Open Water Championships - 28 June 2026. Mercers Lake, South Nutfield, Redhill | 2km / 3km / 5km | Club and competitive swimmers

Seahorse Swim - 28 June 2026. Knoll Beach, Swanage, Dorset | 2km / 3.8km | All levels, 14+

Brighton Pier Open Water Swim - 04 July 2026. Brighton Palace Pier | 1.2km | 18+, all abilities

Swim Brighton - 11 July 2026. Sea Lanes Beach, Madeira Drive, Brighton | 200m tam relay / 750m / 2.5k | All levels

Eastbourne Sea Swim - 12 July 2026. Eastbourne Seafront | 1,500m | All levels, 15+

Event Highlights

Brighton Pier to Pier, 27 June 2026

The centrepiece of Sussex open water swimming and now in its 90th year, the Brighton Pier to Pier is a genuinely historic sea swimming race organised by Brighton Swimming Club (founded 1860) with safety support from Blue Response. The 1km race is open to swimmers aged 14 and over, with under-18s required to be Swim England club members. The Bounce Back event covers approximately 3km against the tide across two legs, a meaningful challenge that requires solid sea swimming experience.

River Arun Swim, 13 June 2026

The River Arun Swim is one of the most distinctive open water events in the South East. Organised by Raw Energy Pursuits, the 3.8km tidal race runs downstream from Ford Marina to the RNLI station in Littlehampton - with the River Arun's powerful tidal current (the second fastest in the UK) doing much of the work. Wetsuits are compulsory and fast times are virtually guaranteed, making it a popular event for anyone chasing a personal best at the Ironman distance. Entry is £45 to £48 and the event includes free race photography and a donation to the RNLI. Several Ocean Set Swim Fit swimmers have taken on the Arun over the years.

Boscombe to Bournemouth Pier, 12 July 2026

A charity sea swim of approximately 2.25km from Boscombe Pier to Bournemouth Pier, supporting lifesaving research. Open to swimmers aged 14 and over, this event has attracted over 1,200 swimmers and has grown into one of the South Coast's most popular open water swimming events with chip timing and a genuine festival atmosphere.

Seahorse Swim, 28 June 2026

Held at Knoll Beach in Swanage, the Seahorse Swim offers distances of 2km and 3.8km in the sheltered waters of Studland Bay. A beautiful South Coast sea swim event organised by Sportiva Events and open to swimmers aged 14 and over. The longer 3.8km distance is a strong preparation swim for anyone targeting an iron-distance triathlon or longer open water events later in the season.

Swim Brighton, July 2026

Brighton's premier open water swimming event returns to Sea Lanes Beach on Madeira Drive on Saturday 11 July, in partnership with Brighton Tri Club and supporting Rockinghorse Children's Charity. There are three events to choose from: the FISH 200, a team relay in which four swimmers each swim 100m out to a mid-water marker and back; the 750m Dip Your Toe, an ideal first sea swim event with full safety cover; and the 2.5km Milestone Swim, which sweeps around Brighton Pier and is a strong step up for swimmers who have done a mile and want more. Entry is open at race-nation.co.uk.

Brighton Pier Open Water Swim, 4 July 2026

A separate event to the Pier to Pier, this community sea swim covers approximately 1.2km around Brighton Palace Pier, starting on the east side, swimming around the pier and finishing on the west side. Open to over-18s who are comfortable swimming in the sea. A relaxed event with strong local community spirit and a great introduction to organised sea swimming events for Brighton-based swimmers.

Eastbourne Sea Swim, 12 July 2026

A 1,500m open water sea swim along the Eastbourne seafront forming the swimming leg of the Eastbourne Triathlon. Open to swimmers aged 15 and over. A well-organised and scenic event with a pier backdrop throughout the course in one of the South East's most attractive seaside towns.

A landmark year for Brighton sea swimming

The Brighton Pier to Pier turns 90 in 2026, making it one of the oldest open water swim races in the world. Founded in 1936 when Brighton Municipal Council donated a trophy for the annual race, it has run almost every year since. The 1km race starts adjacent to the old West Pier and finishes at Brighton Palace Pier, with a Bounce Back course of approximately 3km also available for experienced swimmers. The 90th event takes place on 27 June 2026, with a backup date of 5 September.

Sea Swimming Tips for Brighton and the South Coast

The tidal current along Brighton Beach typically runs east to west on an outgoing tide. Check the tide before you swim and factor the current into your pacing.
Water temperature on the Sussex coast is typically 10 to 12 degrees Celsius in spring, rising to 17 to 19 degrees by August. A wetsuit is strongly recommended in water below 16 degrees.
Brighton seafront can be choppier than it looks from the promenade. Practise swimming in light chop before race day so it does not come as a surprise.
Always check water quality before sea swimming events. The Surfers Against Sewage Safer Seas app gives real-time water quality information for beaches around the South Coast.
Cold water shock is a physiological response to rapid cold water immersion. Enter the water gradually at every training session and make controlled breathing your first priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a wetsuit to swim in the sea in Brighton?

A wetsuit is not compulsory for most Brighton sea swim events but is strongly recommended for water below 16 degrees. If you are new to open water swimming a wetsuit will keep you warmer and provide extra buoyancy.

How do I enter the Brighton Pier to Pier swim?

The Brighton Pier to Pier is organised by Brighton Swimming Club. Tickets for the 90th anniversary event on 27 June 2026 are available via the event website at brightonpier2pier.com. The race is for swimmers aged 14 and over. The Bounce Back longer course is for experienced open water swimmers only.

What is the best open water swimming event for a first-timer in Sussex?

The Brighton Pier Open Water Swim (4 July, 1.2km around Brighton Pier) is an accessible and well-supported event with a strong community atmosphere. Swim Brighton at Sea Lanes is another great option, with multiple distances and a welcoming setup right on the beach. Ocean Set's Sunday Swim Fit sessions at Sea Lanes Brighton are an excellent way to build confidence and fitness before signing up for either event.

Ocean Set swimmers and swim coach Marianne at The Swim Brighton event at Sea Lanes. Brighton

Train for your Brighton or Sussex event with Ocean Set

Our Sunday Swim Fit sessions run every week at Sea Lanes Beach, Madeira Drive, Brighton. Each session is a 1-hour open water swim covering technique, drills, distance progression and ocean reading. £12 drop-in or £50 for a block of five sessions. If you are targeting the Pier to Pier, Swim Brighton, the Brighton Pier Swim or Eastbourne this summer, our coaches can help you build a specific plan for your event. 1-2-1 sea swimming coaching is also available. Get in touch at info@oceanset.co.uk.

Open Water Swimming Events in Sussex and the South East 2026