Low Wood Bay Hotel and Marina is hosting this weekend’s Big Chill Swim event which will see 1,000 national and international competitors arrive in Cumbria.

Taking place on December 10 and 11, the event will see both professional and amateur swimmers brave the waters of Windermere without wetsuits.

Ben Berry from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues says: “The Big Chill Swim here at Low Wood Bay is always very well supported locally and we’re looking forward to another great day’s racing in a truly wonderful setting.

“The relays are especially fun to see as they are a great team challenge and popular with those wanting to raise funds.

“Outdoor open water swimming, unheard of as a mainstream sport a few years ago, is now hugely popular both here in the Lake District and around the world.”

Swimmers from Chile, USA, Russia, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Germany will be taking part in a series of races including the 450m endurance event and a series of multi stroke ‘sprints’ at distances ranging from 30m to 120m, before a series of team relays commence in the afternoon.

The new 30m ‘Ice Fly’ is a competitive butterfly race for the forthcoming winter season.

Chillswim director Colin Hill adds: “The event is already fully subscribed and we have again reached the maximum entry number of 1,000 competitors registered to take part in a full range of relays, sprints and endurance races.

“As well as the professional races, there will be the usual fun and games for the more recreational swimmers to raise funds for charity with novelty races and fancy dress.

“Low Wood Bay has a long history of encouraging visitors to enjoy the waters of Windermere, and our winter open water swimming gala is a thrilling way to do it in participation with swimmers of all ages and backgrounds.”