Thinking about taking on Operation Swim this June? Maybe you’ve just taken the plunge and signed up? Perhaps you’re wondering ‘why swim between 5km and 47km?’ Before you decide, step back in time with us, where the story begins over 80 years ago.
D-Day. 6 June 1944
Allied Forces crossed the English Channel to liberate Nazi occupied Europe. They came ashore on five beaches in Normandy – Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of the end of World War Two.
Each distance in Operation Swim reflects the varying distances of these beaches in Normandy.
Utah – 5km (200 lengths of a 25-metre pool)
Omaha – 7km (280 lengths of a 25-metre pool)
Gold, Juno or Sword – 11.5km (460 lengths of a 25-metre pool)
Gold + Juno + Sword – 35km (1,400 lengths of a 25-metre pool)
All Beaches combined – 47km (1,880 lengths of a 25-metre pool)
About the Challenge
What lengths will you go to for our veterans?
Operation Swim is happening this June. It's a virtual challenge, so you don’t need to be in Normandy. You can swim the equivalent length of one, or more, of these beaches anywhere, as long as it's safe and legal to do so.
Head to your local pool, or maybe you could see if there’s an outdoor swimming club or wild swimming spot near you (if swimming outdoors, make sure that you are not alone.)
You could even gather your troops and swim together with family, friends, or colleagues.
This is a fundraising challenge, and we ask each participant to pledge to raise £250, helping to change the lives of veterans who need support. Once you get your first donation, we'll send you a swimming cap that you can wear with pride as you take on your challenge!
Top tips for your challenge to go swimmingly
Fuel
During your challenge, make sure you eat well to keep your energy levels up while swimming and to support your body.
Every day, aim to eat nutritious food you know you can digest well. Some swimmers increase carbohydrates to help energy levels and reduce bulky vegetables, fatty and high-fibre foods.
If you plan to swim over an hour, make sure you have a snack to refuel and keep up your energy. This could be an energy gel, banana, jelly babies, or dried fruit bar.
Immediately after your swim, it’s a good idea to have a recovery drink or eat a light meal that includes protein and carbohydrates.
Prepare
Whether you’re an experienced swimmer or beginner, be sure to warm up before diving in.
A good pool side stretch will help to prevent muscle strain.
Then, once you’re in, do a few gentle laps to get your body used to the water and movement.
First swimming challenge?
Choose the lowest distance and begin your month with a gentle swim to get warmed up.
From here, start sets e.g. swim eight lengths, taking a 30-second rest between each.
Stick to a good pace and you’ll notice the laps increase week by week.
Swim with friends and family
It's great to get your friends and family involved in this swimming challenge.
Not only does this make your swim fun, but it can also create some healthy competition.
Alongside this, it's a good idea to set a time to swim with friends or family. That way, you will all be more likely to show up.
Remember, taking part counts
As a charity swim there’s no pressure to complete your chosen distance.
The main thing is to have fun and remember, by taking part you’re actively supporting veterans and their families.
Sign up to Operation SwimSwim to support our veterans
You're swimming to support veterans like Simon
Simon joined the Army as a Combat Medic in 1997 and served in Bosnia, Iraq, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). But everything changed whilst on tour in Afghanistan. Simon stepped on a makeshift bomb. As a result, he lost both his legs.
“Surgeons saved my life at Camp Bastion, then I was flown back to the UK where my treatment continued at Selly Oak hospital.
“Over a period of four and a half years I had surgery, physiotherapy and learned to walk on prosthetics.
"Help for Heroes was there to support me from the very beginning.
“I had nothing when I arrived at Selly Oak and the Charity made sure I had everything I needed. Then, when I moved back home, they helped with house adaptations so I could move around it more easily."
“Not long after my treatment I felt confident enough to try swimming again. Out of water, I felt self-conscious. But in water, I felt normal.
“I wasn’t reliant on my chair; the water supported me. My first length was a lot of splashing, but I was determined to get stronger. So, I set a target to work towards.
“Swimming keeps me grounded and makes me resilient. It's the perfect rehab - great for both mental and physical health.
“Today, I refuse to be defined by my injuries. Thanks to swimming I can lead an active lifestyle and have found new ways of enjoying the things I did before the incident.”
For Simon, the power of swimming speaks for itself. Since his first swim he's not only completed one of the toughest cycling challenges in the world 'Race Across America’. Simon has also swum, cycled, and run a gruelling Half-Ironman triathlon.
Swimming keeps me grounded and makes me resilient. It's the perfect rehab - great for both mental and physical health."
Veteran
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