Due to the nature of the swim, we can get currents in some parts of the swim course and reserve the right to shorten the distance or change the route of the planned swim, if deemed necessary for safety. All non wetsuit swimmers must use a tow float.

Yes, Lake Windermere does have currents, and they can be surprisingly strong and dangerous even for experienced swimmers. While it may appear as a calm, static body of water, Windermere is technically a "ribbon lake" with a constant flow of water from north to south. It takes approximately 280 days for a drop of water to travel the full length of the lake, driven by the inflow from rivers like the Brathay and Rothay. These natural flows, combined with the lake's immense depth—reaching 66 meters at its deepest point—can create thermal currents and underwater undertows. Additionally, wind-driven surface currents can shift rapidly, pushing swimmers away from the shore or into the path of the heavy ferry and boat traffic that characterizes the lake. In 2026, safety officials continue to warn "wild swimmers" about the risk of cold water shock and these hidden currents, emphasizing that the sheer volume of 300 billion liters of water moving through the basin is a powerful force that should never be underestimated.