The Ultimate Lake Geneva Adventure

What can I expect on the day? Is the LGSA Escape Léman a race?

The LGSA Escape Léman is an adventure swim, where we celebrate your epic achievement after launching yourself from the start boats in the middle of the lake.

You are encouraged to check in at the event village in Evian the day before the swim and pick up your swimmer pack including a coloured swim hat and event wristband (for your baggage). Alternatively swimmers can check in at the boat jetty on the day of the event. If you are travelling from Lausanne in the morning, the ferry you take to Evian will depend on your event start time (assigned according to your predicted kilometre pace).

There are toilets and changing facilities at the event village from 9am. The boat ride to the start can take up to 40 minutes so do bring some warm clothes on board just in case! You can pack these in a small rucksack before your swim start and the event team will transport it to the finish (recommended size up to 20L).

At the finish beach we have marquees for shade or in case of rain, and a relaxing environment for after your swim. You will receive a full event briefing at the start of your swim.

During your swim, kayaks and support watercraft will be on hand to offer support and to look out for you.

Event markers and the on-water support team will help guide you across the lake, with the first feed station after 2km (6.2km distance only).

At the finish beach you receive your medal, event souvenirs and a warm drink!

What is the route?

Swimmers will begin their adventure by boarding the boats at Evian. The 6.2km swim route begins from the middle of Lake Geneva, on the border between Switzerland and France, and finishes at Evian-les-Bains, France, although this may be altered. Support watercraft and event markers will direct swimmers along the route.

Will there be feed stations?

There will be feed stations roughly every 2km for the 6.2km distance only. These will be supplied with a mixture of water, energy bars and sports gels.

Can I bring my own supporting kayaker?

Yes you can! However, the LGSA Escape Léman is NOT a 1:1 swimmer and kayaker event, and therefore if you officially register a kayaker for the event, the kayaker will integrate into our safety team and thus will not be able to be dedicated to one swimmer. Kayakers can sign up here via our online form.

Therefore, if you would like to arrange your own kayaker to support you during the event with feed and nutrition support, then you are welcome to. However your feeding kayaker will be ADDITIONAL to our safety team and not under the responsibility of our safety team. Your kayaker will need to meet a number of minimum requirements. For more information please contact us directly and we will be happy to discuss in more detail.

Can I wear a tow-float?

Tow-floats are mandatory for all participants of the 6.2km distance. Wetsuited participants of the 1.5km, 750m and 200m distances may choose not to wear a tow-float if they wish. Skins swimmers must wear a tow-float for all distances. Please note that your swim fee does not include a tow-float, however we will have a limited supply available for hire on the day. Tow float hire costs 5€ (with a 10€ refundable deposit). Alternatively you can buy your own tow float online, via a swim club, or in shops.

What pace shall I put down?

Upon reserving your place you will be asked for your swim pace. We recommend you write your average time for completing one kilometre in the pool or during an open water event (if one time is faster then write the faster one). DO NOT write a much slower time than you can swim. For the 6.2km distance, swimmers are grouped according to their pace, and the water safety team is deployed accordingly.

If you begin to stretch the water safety team because you are swimming much faster than your wave you WILL BE ASKED TO SLOW DOWN. In the interest of the event safety, the team have been known to temporarily remove swimmers from the water who are dramatically faster than their wave. We want you to enjoy your swim, therefore we recommend that you put down an accurate kilometre pace for the best swim experience.

Your pace will probably improve as you train for the event, therefore remember to bear this in mind. If ever you need to change your swim pace, you can do so easily by logging in to your account online via www.start-line.co.uk.

What time does the event finish?

Swimmers will arrive at the finish beach sometime between midday and 2pm. Please note that in case of unacceptable conditions at the scheduled time, the swim may start later than planned. Please make sure you plan accordingly!

Is there a cut-off time?

For the 6.2km distance there is a cut-off time of 36 minutes per kilometre, meaning the last swimmers should be finished around 1pm. The water safety team will do a sweep to make sure all swimmers are out of the water. This time is a hard stop and non-negotiable therefore please respect the safety team if you are asked to come out of the water. The cut-off usually allows plenty of time for even the more relaxed swimmers!

Can I swim with a friend or in a group?

If you sign up for the 6.2km distance and you both have identical swim paces, then you will be placed in the same swim wave. Regardless of the distance you are swimming, if your swim paces differ (even by only a couple of minutes) it is not advisable to jeopardise your swim, as one swimmer is usually faster than the other, and will end up getting cold whilst waiting.