Open water competitions

The East Region organises Open Water Championships in July each year and has, for successive years, had the highest swimmer entry numbers of any regional open water event.

Races are held over 1K, 2K, 3K and 5K and are split into age groups. For those aged 12-18, the Regional Championships also offer a chance to qualify for the National Open Water Championships

Regional Open Water Championships

Date:  Sunday 13th July 2025

Venue: Whitlingham Adventure, Norwich, NR14 8TR

Conditions

An introduction to open water swimming

Open water swimming is a truly different experience to the pool, and one all swimmers should try at least once!

Without the confines of lane ropes or walls, it’s liberating, adventurous and unique.

Open water also appeals to the adrenalin-seekers. Competitive races are often frenetic and fierce, with swimmers hustling and bustling for position.

Intrigued? Read more.

Open Water Officials

There is a well-established Open Water Swimming Officials Pathway that takes officials from the entry point of Judge Level 1, all the way through to becoming a FINA referee.

Find out more about this Pathway on the Swim England East Region official’s training page.