Celebrating International Women’s Day with a Plunge
International Women’s Day is all about empowerment, and what better way to embody that than by splashing in the open sea? This year, The Big Swim 2025 saw hundreds of women brave the cold March waters in both Brighton and Sandbanks, uniting in a shared celebration of strength, community, and adventure. Land & Wave and blogger Pink Nicky aimed to bring together 1,000 swimmers, making it one of the biggest events of its kind in the UK – a true picture of sisterhood making waves for female equality.
And guess what? THEY DID IT!
A Movement, Not Just a Moment
At Land & Wave, we believe in getting more women into the outdoor industry—not just as participants but as leaders, instructors, and adventurers. The Big Swim aligns perfectly with this mission, showing that women belong in every aspect of outdoor life, from coaching and leadership to simply enjoying nature’s challenges.
The Role of Community and Collaboration
The Big Swim wasn’t just about the swim itself—it was about the people. The event was made possible through collaboration between organisations, female-led businesses, and passionate individuals like PinkNicky and Land & Wave Director, Rosie Tanner, who have worked for months to create inclusive outdoor event to celebrate International Women’s Day.
The event also had a special presence from the RNLI, with Poole Lifeboat Station making history by launching both their lifeboats with an all-female crew for the first time. This milestone reflects the increasing representation of women in roles traditionally dominated by men. Currently, 15% of RNLI’s operational crew are women, with Poole Lifeboat Station boasting an impressive 25% female team.
Joy, Strength, and the Power of the Outdoors
There’s something uniquely powerful about cold-water swimming. It requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown—qualities that define so many women in adventure sports. The energy on the beaches of Brighton and Sandbanks was electric, as swimmers cheered each other on, hollered, whooped, danced in fancy dress, and emerged from the sea with wide smiles and a shared sense of achievement.
Among the notable attendees was Jessica Toale, Bournemouth’s first female MP, who joined in the celebrations and highlighted the importance of events like The Big Swim in empowering women. Participants travelled from as far as London and Cheltenham to take part at the Sandbanks event, demonstrating the event’s widespread appeal.
Mothers, sisters, daughters and aunties, joined the event, which was pure magic to see multi-generations celebrating International Women’s Day together.
The day was also filled with deeply moving moments, as several women shared their stories of survival and resilience, including those who had battled and overcome cancer. Their presence underscored the event’s spirit of strength and solidarity.
Supporting a Cleaner Ocean
The Big Swim partnered with Surfers Against Sewage, a charity dedicated to tackling ocean pollution and protecting marine environments. Their involvement reinforced the connection between outdoor adventure and environmental responsibility, encouraging swimmers to not only enjoy the sea but also to play an active role in its preservation. The event raised awareness about ocean conservation, inspiring participants to advocate for cleaner waters and take action against plastic waste and pollution.
Why Events Like This Matter
For many women, events like The Big Swim are more than just a fun challenge; they’re an entry point into outdoor adventures. At Land & Wave, we’ve seen first-hand how outdoor activities build confidence, create friendships, and open career pathways. Whether it’s through wild swimming, hiking, or leading outdoor expeditions, our mission is to make the outdoors more accessible and welcoming for women and an aspirational place to be for young girls considering their career choices.
Join the Movement
If The Big Swim has inspired you, Land & Wave offers a range of friendly courses and experiences designed to get more women working and thriving in the outdoor industry. Whether you’re looking to train as an instructor, build your confidence in open water, or simply find a new adventure community, we’re here to support your journey.
Final Thoughts
The Big Swim 2025 was more than just an event—it was a statement. It proved that women belong in the great outdoors, leading, inspiring, and supporting one another. Here’s to more waves, more adventure, and more women embracing the power of nature.
Let’s do it ALL again next year! See you on the beach x
