Join The Bluetits' Summer Dipathon challenge, in collaboration with Centrepoint, running across July and August. The Bluetits provide an inclusive, free-to-join social swim community. Even if you've never tried it before you can enjoy the benefits of cold water swimming and community.
Last year, almost 124,000 young people aged 16-25 were homeless or at risk of homelessness in the UK. This means that 1 young person faces homelessness every 4 minutes. We’re challenging our community to come together and reach a collective target of 124,000 dips, representing the number of young people facing homelessness in the UK.
Start with a minimum pledge of 4 dips each over the two-month event period to reflect that every 4 minutes, a young person is at risk of homelessness. The more you can pledge, the further we will be towards our ambitious goal.
The cost of your entry to the challenge will cover your embroidered badge alongside a split donation to both Centrepoint (50%) and the Bluetits (50%).
What is a dipathon?
A dipathon is simply getting into cold water mulitple times across a set period of time. You can dip or swim in any body of water, for however long, and whatever distance - it's the getting in that counts.
- Pick your spot - a lido, lake, beach, or any safe outdoor water near you
- Choose your time frame and target number of dips - any time in summer, whenever suits you
- To do this challenge with a volunteer-led Bluetits group, find your local Bluetits community here
Fundraising
We encourage you to set up your own fundraising page to raise money for both causes, with a target of £100.
The first 100 people to raise £100 will receive some special Summer Dipathon merchandise! These items are subject to limited stock and will be first come, first served.
Important Information
The Summer Dipathon challenge is set up through a collaboration between The Bluetits Chill Swimmers and Centrepoint. All dips are either organised by yourself independently or are peer-led through the Bluetits community groups, run by volunteers.
Swims are organised by members for members. Unless explicitly stated, a trained lifeguard, first aider, or qualified swim coach will not be present. Never assume another swimmer has more experience or knowledge than you.
The Bluetits Chill Swimmers and Centrepoint are not liable for events organised in the volunteer-led Facebook groups.
By signing up to this challenge, you are agreeing to The Bluetits Disclaimer Policy.
You are also agreeing to Centrepoint's Privacy Statement and The Bluetits Chill Swimmers Privacy Policy.
Further questions?
Do I have to be strong swimmer to take part?
Dipathons are all about just getting into the water and enjoying the experience. Sometimes that's jumping in the waves, swimming in a circle around a slipway, pootling out to a buoy 300 meters from the shore. It is not about distance or speed or swim strokes per minute.
You can read The Bluetits Disclaimer Policy for further details on this.
What do I need to bring?
- Swimming costume or whatever you feel comfortable swimming in
- Lots of layers
- Comfortable shoes
- Towel
- Swimming hat
- A bag for your belongings
- Water bottle or a flask for after your dip
Do I have to swim regularly?
No. The dipathon is designed for all swimmers, just go at your own pace and do what feels achievable and enjoyable.
Unless explicitly stated, a trained lifeguard, first aider, or qualified swim coach will not be present. Never assume another swimmer has more experience or knowledge than you.
See more information about what you'll need on the Bluetits information page.
