Wetsuit Policy

Water Temperature Below 15°C:

Wetsuit use is compulsory.

A neoprene or Yulex vest worn in combination with neoprene or Yulex shorts is also acceptable but swimmers MUST also use an approved high visibility tow float. More information can be found here.

Water Temperature of 15°C or above:

Wetsuit use is optional. Swimmers choosing not to wear a wetsuit MUST use an approved high visibility tow float. Swimmers wearing wetsuits can also choose to swim with a tow float.

Under 16s

Swimmers aged under 16 are always required to wear a wetsuit.

More Information

For a water temperature of 15°C or lower, we advice that you use a well-fitting, one-piece neoprene or Yulex wetsuit, which ideally is specifically designed for swimming rather than other activities such as diving or surfing. A two piece combination of vest and shorts rather than a full wetsuit should only be considered if you have a specific mobility issue or you are acclimatised to swimming in colder water temperatures.

Swimming-specific wetsuits are made from neoprene or Yulex panels of varying thickness to provide buoyancy at the same time as allowing more mobility where required e.g. around the shoulders.

The most important thing is that whatever wetsuit you decide to wear –, shortie, short arms, and legs – it fits well. It should be snug when you put it on, so the water trapped next to your skin is warmed by your body and provides insulation.

We recommend that you try the wetsuit out before event day to ensure that it is comfortable to swim in. If the wetsuit is loose or ‘baggy’ or if it is too tight around the neck and you feel that you have to unzip it to breathe more comfortably, water will flow through it compromising insulation and potentially restricting your swimming.

For the avoidance of doubt, triathlon suits made of lycra (or other similar synthetic materials) do not offer buoyancy or insulation and are not accepted as wetsuits at Great Swims.