Global swimwear brand Speedo is partnering with Pride Swim for the first ever ‘The Big Dip’, set to take place on Brighton Beach on Saturday 26th October 2024.
The Big Dip will see over 200 people from the LGBTQIA+ and ally community come together to take the plunge into the brisk Brighton sea to raise funds for charity Switchboard Helpline, the national LGBTQIA+ helpline, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
Pride Swim: The Big Dip has been designed to connect the community through the power of mental and physical wellbeing, and inspire others to join, whatever their swimming ability.
Participants will be united through their orange Speedo swimming caps, creating a stand out moment for the occasion and highlighting Speedo and Pride Swim’s goal of connecting communities far and wide through their love of the water.
Over the past year, 20 Pride Swim’s have taken place across the UK in the lead up to The Big Dip, including open water, pool and family swims through the support of many organisations including Love Open Water, Everyone Active and Soho House.
Founder of Pride Swim, Polly Shute said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to Pride Swim’s across the UK and it seemed fitting to end the year with a fundraiser at Brighton, a city synonymous with the LGBTQIA+ community. The Big Dip is a fun dash into the sea and a great way to highlight how swimming can connect the queer community in supporting both physical and mental wellbeing. We can’t wait to welcome everyone on the day and hope that we’ll be able to mark the occasion with a Big Dip each year.”
Former professional swimmer, LGBTQIA+ activist and Speedo ambassador Michael Gunning will be in attendance at The Big Dip and will open the event to all participants. Speaking about the event, Michael said: “Water has always been a powerful force in my life, and I can’t wait to join everyone at The Big Dip to share this special moment with the community. By coming together, we can share and celebrate the positive benefits the water can bring and create a safe space for everyone to thrive, whether they are new or seasoned swimmers.”
The Big Dip will take place on 26th October 2024 at 2pm on Brighton Beach and is open to the public for a sign-up fee of £10, with 100% of the fee going to Switchboard Helpline charity. Tickets are available for purchase at OutSavvy.com.