Question 1

Is there an age limit?

Accepted Answer

The lower age limit is 18, there is no upper age limit. If you are interested in swimming and you are under 18, please ask your parent / guardian to contact the office so we can discuss your circumstances and swimming background with you. info@swimquest.uk.com.

Question 2

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

You are not able to defer or get a refund, but we do have a flexible policy to help you, should you need it. Firstly, when you enter you will be automatically offered XCover Refund Protection through Ticket Tailor (the registration platform). This is an extra payment, but will mean that you may be able to get the majority of your entry fee (not booking fee) back. Please see their terms and conditions. Any questions about this insurance (if offered) needs to be directed to Ticket Tailor.

Question 3

What marine life lives around the Isles of Scilly?

Accepted Answer

Several seal colonies live and feed around the islands so you may be lucky enough to see some during the event. In 2024 we also encountered a number of jellyfish, predominantly mauve stingers. These are not life threatening but do give a nasty sting. This was an extremely unusual occurrence and we adapted swim routes to avoid these.

Question 4

I have a medical condition, can I still enter?

Accepted Answer

If you are in any doubt you should seek medical advice from your doctor and ensure you are in good physical and mental health to complete the event. You will be asked to provide any medical information and sign a disclaimer to ensure you are aware of the risks of open water swimming. If you have any queries, please email us at john@swimquest.uk.com and we will be happy to advise.

Question 5

Are wetsuits compulsory?

Accepted Answer

No, although we do encourage entrants to wear a wetsuit for warmth and extra buoyancy. We suggest non wetsuit swimmers are used to swimming in open water in the appropriate temperatures (around 15℃ in September). As a long running supporter of the Scilly Swim Challenge, Zone 3 also offers swimmers discounts on kit. You can get 20% OFF any full price Zone3 items as a SwimQuest & Scilly Challenge customer! Go to www.zone3.com/SwimQuest or simply enter the discount code SWIMQUEST at checkout when shopping at Zone3.com.

Question 6

Do I have to be there for the acclimatisation swim and registration?

Accepted Answer

For safety reasons we require everyone be at the mandatory event briefings and acclimatisation swims. If you are late due to travel delays we will do our best to arrange a special briefing but please do book your travel to get you there in time.

Question 7

Where should I stay?

Accepted Answer

The One-Day and Two-Day events are based around Hugh Town on St. Mary's (the main island) so staying close to there will be more convenient. If you choose to stay on another island you will have to arrange transport to the start as we do not lay this on - there will be an extra cost and you may have to get up very early!

Question 8

Do I have to sign a waiver?

Accepted Answer

There's a waiver to read and acknowledge during the registration process as follows. "By entering the event, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the following:

You understand the risks – Swimming in open water can mean cold temperatures, tides, currents, marine life, and physical exertion. You accept these risks and are taking part voluntarily.You’re fit and well – You confirm you’re in good health, capable of completing your chosen event, and will let us know about any medical conditions. You won’t take part if advised not to by a doctor.You’ll follow the safety rules – This includes listening to the safety team, wearing your swim hat and tow float, and leaving the water if asked. Your safety is our top priority. Insurance – We strongly recommend you have personal accident, medical, and cancellation insurance to cover your participation.Photos and media – We may capture photos or video during the event. By taking part, you’re happy for us to use these in future event promotions.

By submitting your online application and paying your fee you are also agreeing to abide by our terms and conditions and any instructions given to you by the organisers and officials of the event. This also includes any entries made for you on your behalf by a third party.

Question 9

Can I wear fins / hand paddles etc?

Accepted Answer

You may wear swimming aids, with the exception of hand paddles, if this helps you stay with the group. Please remember however that you will be swimming with other people so be very careful you don't bash them with a fin!

Question 10

Can I leave the islands on the day of the swim?

Accepted Answer

Ideally not. Travel to and from Scilly is limited or impossible on Sundays. Timings for each day will be confirmed at registration the day before and as such we cannot guarantee a finish time as we may need to swim earlier / later depending on weather conditions. Because we may have to alter schedules as we go, we cannot guarantee to get you back to St. Mary's by a certain time. It is strongly recommended you leave the islands the day after your event - plus, you don't want to miss your event party!

Question 11

My friend / partner wants to watch, is there a spectator boat?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There will be a spectator boat which follows all of the swims for the one and two day events. The spectators will be able to get ashore and follow most of the walks. Tickets for the Spectator Boats are £25 / day and can be purchased at registration on St. Mary’s. Dogs are also allowed on the boats.

Question 12

Do we swim in a group?

Accepted Answer

Swimmers will be divided into waves or "pods" of about 50 each according to swim speed. The fastest (Red) pod leaves first, shortly followed by the Amber pod and then the Green pod.

Question 13

Do we have to stay with the group?

Accepted Answer

You will be asked to stay behind a lead kayak and not drop behind the rear kayak in your group.

Question 14

Do I have to be a certain speed?

Accepted Answer

​To make sure we can complete the course in the time we do have a fairly strict timetable to keep to. Swimmers are divided into pods according to their speed. For everyone's safety these pods have to be kept together as a group. If you can't keep up with your pod you will be give the chance of a "piggy-back" in one of the safety boats or to drop back to a slower pod (if available). We ask you can swim a mile in less than 35mins [One Day] / and less than 40 mins [Two Day].

Question 15

What happens to our clothing / equipment?

Accepted Answer

We will advise you of clothing/warm kit and footwear to wear on the islands as you move to the next swim. All kit will be moved by a logistical team so it is there waiting your arrival. All warm kit/shoes will be dropped off prior to each swim.

Question 16

Is there an alternative to walking at the end of each swim?

Accepted Answer

No, everyone will re-group after the swim, be given a chance to have some food and drink (we will send out a ‘what to pack’ email nearer the time) and then move together to the next swim before repeating the process. The walks connecting each swim are on a combination of sand, trail and tarmac and you will need footwear though there are no steep gradients or overgrown areas. If you have extenuating circumstances which mean you may struggle with a walk, please let us know before hand by emailing alice@swimquest.uk.com.

Question 17

Is this a race? Are there prizes?

Accepted Answer

No, these are friendly challenge events with the focus being to try and get everyone around in a controlled and safe way. We may surprise you with some on the day prizes - and of course, our 'friendliest swimmer awards' are highly coveted!

Question 18

What if I can't complete the distance?

Accepted Answer

You can always get out of the water and onto safety boat. We will have medical and support staff to look after everyone and advisors to get you back to St Marys (if staying there).

Question 19

I booked refund protection through Ticket Tailor and I need to cancel. How do I do this?

Accepted Answer

If you need to cancel your place please let us know. If you have purchased Refund Protection and need to make a claim, you do this directly with XCover (the provider of the protection).Start a claim here: https://www.xcover.com/en-us/loginXCover manages the claim and refund process for you.

Frequently asked questions