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 Michelle
When Michelle was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, she felt like her world had stopped.
“I literally sat at home waiting for my body to stop working.”
The Royal Navy veteran lived quietly with her two dogs, and apart from them, she was isolated and alone. Depression and anxiety took hold, and her world slowly shrank to the four walls of her house. She found herself in a bleak situation she couldn’t see a way out of.
That’s when she found support from Help for Heroes – and swimming. And the difference to her life, she says, has been “massive”. “I’ve found my drive again.”
In the water, I feel like a normal person. Outside, I can fall over. I trip. In the pool, I don’t fall. I can just be me."
Royal Navy Veteran
Swimming has become a huge part of Michelle’s recovery, helping her rebuild both her physical strength and her confidence. With support from Help for Heroes, including hydrotherapy sessions and one-to-one encouragement, she’s found her drive again.
She wants everyone taking part in Operation Swim to know just how much their efforts mean.
“I want to say a massive thank you to anyone taking part in Operation Swim,” she said. “The support I’ve had has made my life so much better. And that’s only possible because of people’s fundraising. If it wasn’t for Help for Heroes, I don’t know where I’d be. I can see a future now. Before, all I could see was MS. Now I can see hope. You’re giving people like me happiness and a chance to live again.”
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