Responsibility and Risk

As a swimmer, you should be aware of the risks and the responsibility connected to marathon swimming. You should never attempt to swim in open water without being fully aware of the risks connected to your own survival. Thus, marathon swimming requires total dedication.

The main risks associated with marathon swimming include: hypothermia, inadequate training, overconfidence, inexperience, inadequate preparation and lack of understanding of the challenge being undertaken. It is absolutely necessary to train yourself well before committing to marathon swimming. Both physical and mental training are very important.

Marathon swimming is an extreme, high-risk sport. Therefore, it requires the swimmer to be dedicated and engage in continuous training.

The crossing is a minimum of 20 km between Denmark and Sweden, in either direction. Water temperatures in the Öresund can vary considerably. Swimmers should not expect a crossing to take place if the water temperature is below 16 °C. The final decision will always depend on the overall conditions and remains with SwimÖresund.

The currents in the Öresund can be unstable, unpredictable, and at times strong. Waves can be expected. The crossing is not a “tidal swim” like, for example, the English Channel. SwimÖresund is a current-based swim where you can expect to swim against the current.

As a swimmer, you need a good support team who know you and your limits well, and who can make important and decisive decisions for you while you swim.

The responsibility for your safety lies with you. If you are not ready to swim, do not risk your life or health. It is better to wait and make a new plan for your crossing.