THE rapid growth of a Lake District open water swimming regatta has put it firmly on the map as a genuine international event, attracting swimmers from all over the globe.

More than 1,000 participants have signed up for this year’s Big Chillswim Winter Swimming Gala weekend to be held at Low Wood Bay on Windermere from February 5 to 7.

With competitive swimmers flying in from as far afield as Australia, USA, Mexico and Russia, as well as from several Scandinavian and Eastern European countries, the Chillswim event is now recognised as a prestigious international swim, culminating in its confirmation as an official 2016 ‘World Cup’ fixture.

As a result of the swim’s fourfold growth in the last four years, Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel & Marina will also play host to the World Open Water Swimming Association awards for the first time. United Nations Patron of the Oceans, Lewis Pugh, will speak and present the awards as guest of honour at the gala awards dinner.

Ben Berry from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues said: “The success of the Chillswim is having a hugely beneficial effect on local tourism at a time of year when visitor numbers are generally relatively lower.

“The speed of growth and popularity of the event has been the catalyst to securing the awards ceremony at Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel & Marina and there is no doubt that the local hospitality industry will get a welcome boost from the higher numbers of participants coming here to compete. It’s a fabulous achievement for Chillswim’s organisers.”

The three day regatta event commences with the World Open Water Swimming Association Awards at Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel & Marina on Friday February 5. The Winter Swimming World Cup features on the Saturday and Sunday, including the British one kilometre Winter Swimming Championships. The event is now closed to new entries as it is fully subscribed.

Chillswim director Colin Hill said: “We have seen a dramatic rise in competitors since the event started in 2013, about 250 swimmers back then to over a thousand this year. And it’s even more gratifying to see swimmers from all over the UK and Ireland joined by so many international contenders, all of which has helped us secure World Cup status.

“With the stunning Langdale Pikes as a backdrop, I can’t think of a better or more scenic venue for an exciting weekend of highly competitive swimming. We hope that local people will flock to the shores of Lake Windermere to support the event and cheer the swimmers on throughout the weekend.”

Windermere’s Big Chillswim 2016 has been organised in partnership with the Lake District National Park Authority and South Lakeland District Council. There will be park and ride services for the event from both Waterhead and Brockhole Lake District Visitor Centre in Windermere.