The Haywards Heath Swimarathon is an annual charity fundraising event held at the Dolphin Leisure Centre on Good Friday. Teams of six swimmers are invited to swim in a 55-minute-long relay to raise money for a good cause of their own choice and for the Lions' selected good cause.
For 2026, Kangaroos will take over organisation of the Swimarathon - please complete the Kangaroos Swimarathon Information and Permission Form to register your interest with the new organisers.
Presentation Event - Sat 21 June
The Orchards - 2pm
For 2025, the Lions chose to support the Rockinghorse Children's Charity.
Rockinghorse Children's Charity is fundraising to support several vital projects at the Sensory Friendly Ward at Chalkhill Hospital in Haywards Heath. This dedicated hospital serves 12-18 year olds facing emotional and mental health challenges.
The environment at Chalkhill can be difficult for young people, especially with noisy, bright, and unpredictable spaces. This can be even more challenging for those with autism or sensory processing differences, affecting their ability to engage in the support and treatment they need.
Your fundraising will fund essential projects including:
- an updated video tour of the hospital to help young patients feel more at ease
- a digital timetable that can be easily updated, providing a sense of security by showing what to expect throughout the day
- a virtual reality headset to help staff better understand how autistic young people experience their surroundings
- outdoor gym equipment to encourage physical activity and well-being
- sound-absorbing panels to create a quieter, more calming environment
- weighted "ryno" rockers to provide soothing, sensory support
With your help, we can create a more supportive sensory-friendly environment that empowers young people to engage in their recovery journey.
Presentation Event - Sat 21 June
The Orchards - 2pm
Sponsorship open until 12 May
The Swimarathon enables teams of swimmers of all ages to raise money for a charity or good cause of their own choice and for the good cause chosen by Haywards Heath Lions Club. The sponsorship money raised by each team is paid to Haywards Heath Lions Club, who then distribute it to the charities and good causes. Half of each team's sponsorship is donated to that team's chosen charity or good cause, and half to the Lions' chosen good cause.
The key objective is to raise as much money as possible while having fun!
Report from the 2025 Swimarathon
In 2025 fifty-three teams swam 6,630 lengths and over £19,000 was raised.
Competition winners 2025
| Competition | Winning team | Lengths |
|---|
| Under 12 | Deadly Sharks & Ninja Nemos | 134 |
| Under 16 | Sporks | 151 |
| Primary school | Fintastic 6 | 147 |
| Family team | The Boswells | 147 |
| Open | The Tuna Turners | 176 |
| Open total ages 300+ | Allsorts | 117 |
| Swimming Club U16 | The P3 Boys | 166 |
| Swimming Club 360+ | Dolphin Ladies C | 127 |
| Swimming Club 400+ | Dolphin Ladies A | 88 |
| Swimming Club Open | No Caps | 175 |
Presentation Event - Sat 21 June
The Orchards - 2pm
Frequently asked questions
How does sponsorship work?
Sponsorship is for the whole team, not the individual swimmer. All sponsorship money must be collected by 12 May 2025.
Can I collect sponsorship online?
Yes, on entry each team will be sent a link to an online sponsorship page.
When will my online sponsorship page close?
12 May 2025.
Can I collect extra sponsors on Local Giving after the day of the event?
Yes, the Local Giving pages will remain active until 12 May.
When is the next Swimarathon?
Next year's Swimarathon will be organised by Kangaroos, and will take place on Friday 3rd April 2026 (Good Friday). Please complete the Kangaroos Swimarathon Information and Permission Form to register your interest with the new organisers.
Where does the Swimarathon take place?
The Dolphin (Leisure Centre), Pasture Hill Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 1LY.
Who organises the Swimarathon?
Haywards Heath Lions Club ran the Swimarathon from 1983 to 2025. From 2026, the Swimarathon will be run by Kangaroos. Please complete the Kangaroos Swimarathon Information and Permission Form to register your interest with the new organisers.
How is the sponsorship money collected and distributed?
Each team is given an online donation page by Haywards Heath Lions Club. The sponsorship money raised by each team is paid to Haywards Heath Lions Club Charity Trust Fund, which then distributes it to the charities and good causes.
Can I choose Haywards Heath Lions' Club as my chosen good cause?
Yes, you can choose to give your sponsorship to Haywards Heath Lions Club's charitable trust.
Who is the Lions' chosen good cause for 2025?
This year the Lions have selected The Rockinghorse Children's Charity in their support for projects at Chalkhill Hospital in Haywards Heath.
Why is Gift Aid important?
It is important that you ask all your sponsors (if they are UK tax payers) to tick the Gift Aid box (whether they are donating online or on paper). This allows Haywards Heath Lions Club to claim an additional 25p from HMRC on every £1 donated.
How much money does my charity or good cause get?
A team's chosen charity or good cause will receive half the sponsorship money collected by that team. The money will be paid to the charity or good cause by Haywards Heath Lions Club.
Who can I choose for my charity or good cause?
All local good causes are welcome. In 2024 teams raised money for causes ranging from charities to local schools, Guides, and disability clubs. You can also choose the Haywards Heath Lions Club charitable trust as your chosen good cause.
How many people should be in a team?
Each team should consist of six swimmers and an adult non-swimming length counter. All seven should collect sponsorship. Other supporters may also collect sponsorship for the team.
Can my team have fewer than six swimmers?
Yes, but your team will not be eligible for the competition.
Who can be in a swimming team?
There are no age restrictions, however the pool is 25m long and swimmers need to be able to complete several one-length swims during the 55 minutes.
What is the format of the Swimarathon?
Teams are allocated a swim time and lane. Swimmers complete lengths for 55 minutes in a relay style. The non-swimming length-counter keeps a tally of the number of lengths swum by the team.
What do swimmers receive for taking part?
All participants receive a medal after their swim.
Can I recycle my medal?
Yes, please leave medals at the pool.
Is there a competetive element to the Swimarathon?
Yes, teams may elect to enter one category of competition, which can be seen on the application form. Certificates will be awarded to the team which completes the most lengths in each of the categories. Trophies will be awarded to the Primary and Secondary school teams completing the most lengths. Trophies will be retained by the winning schools for 12 months, and then returned.
What are the rules for entering the schools' competitions?
Teams entering the competitions must contain exactly 6 swimmers who are all attending that school at the time of the event, and in the case of secondary schools must be in the appropriate year groups.
What are the rules of the competition?
Teams must have exactly 6 swimmers, who must swim in order, with each swimmer completing their length before the next swimmer starts their length.
What is the record number of lengths swum?
The overall record number of lengths is 196. For teams aged 15 and under, the record is 173 lengths.
How long has the Swimarathon been running?
The 2025 Swimarathon will be our 40th Swimarathon since 1983.
How much money was raised in 2024?
The 2024 swimarathon raised over £21,000. A donation of £12,000 was presented to Time For Children, and the remainder paid to the other good causes chosen by the individual teams.
Can I or my employer sponsor the Swimarathon?
Yes! Please use the contact details below.