09:00, 26 February 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
On Saturday 14 March 2026, something remarkable will happen on two stretches of British coastline. At 9.30am in Sandbanks, Poole, and at 11.30am in Brighton, a 1,000 women – and their allies –- will walk into the sea together.
Not for competition.
Not for spectacle.
But for solidarity, celebration and change.
Welcome to The Big Swim 2026.
Hosted in Brighton by Sea Lanes Brighton and in Dorset by Land and Wave, this extraordinary International Women’s Day event only has a few tickets left. With 500 swimmers in each location, it is on track to break its own records and send a powerful message from shore to shore.
The Big Swim is the brainchild of Brighton adventurer Nicky Chisholm — known locally and affectionately as PinkNicky. What began as a bold idea has rapidly grown into a movement.
“It’s uplifting, joyous, and a light protest,” Nicky says. “We’re marking International Women’s Day, raising awareness about sewage pollution, and celebrating women’s voices all at once.”
Participants are encouraged to bring placards and signs — not in anger, but in hope. This is activism wrapped in laughter, and a great deal of glitter.
The charity partner for the event is Surfers Against Sewage, the marine conservation campaign group fighting to protect the UK’s coastlines. Each £10 ticket includes a £2 donation to the charity, with £5,000 set to be raised in Brighton and £1,000 in Poole.
In a year when International Women’s Day carries the theme #GiveToGain, the symbolism could not be clearer: give your courage, gain community; give your voice, gain momentum.
More than a swim
This is not simply about braving cold water. It is about visibility.
In an interview with Smiley News, Nicky explains that women come for countless reasons: “Bravery, grieving, mental health, celebration. Everyone has their own story.” Some are marking milestones. Others are remembering loved ones. Many are stepping outside their comfort zones for the very first time.
Rosie Tanner of Land & Wave, who has helped bring 500 Dorset swimmers into the fold, says: “Land & Wave has long been campaigning to get more women working and playing in the outdoors, so we’re delighted to be welcoming a huge Dorset contingent to The Big Swim.”
It’s a powerful partnership, Brighton and Poole linked by 100 miles of coastline and a shared belief in the strength of women in wild spaces.
While The Big Swim centres women’s voices, it’s not exclusive. Allies of all backgrounds are welcome to stand in support of gender equality. Importantly, 2026 also marks a major step forward in accessibility. A group of adaptive and wheelchair swimmers will take part, helping to shape a long-term accessibility initiative. With beach wheelchairs, disabled changing facilities and a clear commitment to inclusion, The Big Swim is working to ensure the sea belongs to everyone.
Adventure as invitation
Nicky herself is no stranger to extremes, from running a half marathon in Greenland to living off-grid in Sweden, but she is clear that The Big Swim is not about athletic prowess.
“You don’t have to be an experienced swimmer,” she says. “It’s about coming down, having fun, feeling welcome. It’s a high-energy, safe space.”
That sense of adventure, she believes, opens the door to bigger conversations — about feminism, climate, community and care for our oceans. The growing sea-swimming culture along the south coast, with its outdoor saunas and sunrise meet-ups, has become solid ground for connection.
Though 2026 is already record-breaking, in the interview Nicky already hints at special plans for 2027, but for now, the focus is firmly on 14 March.
Be part of the movement and get your ticket here: https://pinknicky.com/iwd-2026/
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Surfers Against Sewage. This UK marine conservation charity campaigns to protect our oceans and rivers from plastic pollution and sewage discharge, mobilising communities to demand cleaner water and stronger environmental protections. Learn more here.
The Fawcett Society. The UK’s leading charity for gender equality, this charity campaigns for women’s rights at work, at home and in public life, driving systemic change through research, advocacy and grassroots activism. Discover their work here.
Women in Sport. This national charity works to transform sport for the benefit of every woman and girl in the UK, challenging inequality, increasing participation and creating fairer access to physical activity. Find out more here.
This positive news article aligns with the UN SDG Gender Equality, Clean Water and Sanitation, Life Below Water.
Photo credits: Nicky Chisholm
This article aligns with the following UN SDGs
