Q: What is The BIG SWIM?

The BIG SWIM is a fundraising swim challenge. Funds raised from The BIG SWIM go directly to Brigadoon Village, who are committed to bettering the lives of children, youth and families living with a chronic illness, chronic condition or special need in Atlantic Canada. In 2026, The BIG SWIM is coming home to Brigadoon August 30, 2026! This year, swimmers don’t just swim for Brigadoon — they swim at Brigadoon, bringing them closer to the heart of the mission! It’s so perfect we can't believe we didn't think of this before! This event is created and managed every year by GIVETOLIVE, a volunteer driven organization. The BIG SWIM at Brigadoon Village is scheduled for Sunday, August 30, 2026 on Aylesford Lake. The intended route begins at the GIVETOLIVE BIG SWIM Dock, though this may be subject to change based on conditions and safety assessments made closer to the event. In the event that the swim at Brigadoon Village must be cancelled due to conditions that prevent safe participation, the back-up date is Monday, August 31, 2026. Please, note there is no guarantee of a swim either day if conditions do not allow a safe environment for swimmers and volunteers. Also, if deemed necessary there may be route changes made on event weekend, with little notice. These decisions are at the discretion of our experienced Safety Officer, Captain of the Day, and their team. Registration fees are non-refundable.

Q: What is the required safety equipment to participate in The BIG SWIM?

The required equipment for The BIG SWIM 2026 is: Inflatable swim buoy - purchased by swimmer Latex swimmer cap - provided at event Optional: Wetsuit For safety reasons we will provide swimmers with a colour-coded latex cap that must be worn. If you prefer the warmer silicone caps, then please, plan to wear that below the cap we give you. These bright coloured caps have meaning to our safety support team to keep you safe which is why it is mandatory. If you have a latex allergy, please, plan to wear a silicone one under your issued latex cap or contact our event organizers well ahead of time. A swim buoy is an inflatable personal floatation device that is attached to the swimmer’s waist and is dragged behind. This allows the swimmer to be seen in the open water by other watercraft and can be used to hang on and rest, if needed. Some models also allow you to store key supplies in them for added convenience during your swim. More information is here: https://openwater.ca Many swimmers prefer the warmth of a wetsuit and the additional buoyancy it provides. The large majority of our swimmers–in both Bras d’Or Lake as well as the Northumberland Strait–have chosen to wear a wetsuit (made of neoprene/triathlon wetsuit, NOT a surf suit).

Question 1

What is The BIG SWIM?

Accepted Answer

The BIG SWIM is a fundraising swim challenge. ​Funds raised from The BIG SWIM go directly to Brigadoon Village, who are committed to bettering the lives of children, youth and families living with a chronic illness, chronic condition or special need in Atlantic Canada.

In 2026, The BIG SWIM is coming home to Brigadoon August 30, 2026!

This year, swimmers don’t just swim for Brigadoon — they swim at Brigadoon, bringing them closer to the heart of the mission! It’s so perfect we can't believe we didn't think of this before!

This event is created and managed every year by GIVETOLIVE, a volunteer driven organization.

The BIG SWIM at Brigadoon Village is scheduled for Sunday, August 30, 2026 on Aylesford Lake. The intended route begins at the GIVETOLIVE BIG SWIM Dock, though this may be subject to change based on conditions and safety assessments made closer to the event. In the event that the swim at Brigadoon Village must be cancelled due to conditions that prevent safe participation, the back-up date is Monday, August 31, 2026. Please, note there is no guarantee of a swim either day if conditions do not allow a safe environment for swimmers and volunteers. Also, if deemed necessary there may be route changes made on event weekend, with little notice. These decisions are at the discretion of our experienced Safety Officer, Captain of the Day, and their team. Registration fees are non-refundable.

Question 2

Where is The BIG SWIM happening in 2026?

Accepted Answer

This year, participants don’t just swim for Brigadoon - they swim at Brigadoon. The BIG SWIM 2026 will take place on Aylesford Lake at Brigadoon Village, surrounded by the beautiful natural setting of camp.

Brigadoon Village is located at 1650 North River Road, Aylesford, NS.

Question 3

When is The BIG SWIM 2026?

Accepted Answer

August 30, 2026. The full weekend will include:

Saturday, August 29: Orientation paddle for the safety kayak team, safety meeting* for all swimmers & volunteers, group dinner, followed by a campfire at Brigadoon. Everyone has the option to stay overnight at Brigadoon that night!
Sunday, August 30: BIG SWIM day
Monday, August 31: Back-up date for the swim, if needed

* NOTE: swimmers may opt to attend a virtual safety meeting in the week leading up to the event instead of the in-person one Saturday afternoon.

Question 4

What are the available swim routes?

Accepted Answer

The 1km, 5km & 10km routes are all loops that start from and end at the GIVETOLIVE BIG SWIM Dock at Brigadoon Village.

1km: Participants will swim a loop that will be contained to the cove, also known as Little Lake. 
5km: Participants will swim out of the cove into the larger area of Aylesford Lake, where they will do one loop marked by buoys.
10km: Participants will swim out of the cove into the larger area of Aylesford Lake, where they will do two loops marked by buoys.

Question 5

What is the minimum age to participate in The BIG SWIM 2026?

Accepted Answer

We have set the minimum age of the various routes as follows:

1km: 12 years old 
5km: 14 years old 
10km: 14 years old

Question 6

What is the registration cost?

Accepted Answer

Registration fees are as follows:

1 km: $29
5 km: $149
10 km: $149

Question 7

What is the required safety equipment to participate in The BIG SWIM?

Accepted Answer

The required equipment for The BIG SWIM 2026 is:​​
Inflatable swim buoy - purchased by swimmer
Latex swimmer cap - provided at event

Optional: 
Wetsuit

For safety reasons we will provide swimmers with a colour-coded latex cap that must be worn. If you prefer the warmer silicone caps, then please, plan to wear that below the cap we give you. These bright coloured caps have meaning to our safety support team to keep you safe which is why it is mandatory. If you have a latex allergy, please, plan to wear a silicone one under your issued latex cap or contact our event organizers well ahead of time.

A swim buoy is an inflatable personal floatation device that is attached to the swimmer’s waist and is dragged behind. This allows the swimmer to be seen in the open water by other watercraft and can be used to hang on and rest, if needed. Some models also allow you to store key supplies in them for added convenience during your swim. More information is here: https://openwater.ca

Many swimmers prefer the warmth of a wetsuit and the additional buoyancy it provides. The large majority of our swimmers–in both Bras d’Or Lake as well as the Northumberland Strait–have chosen to wear a wetsuit (made of neoprene/triathlon wetsuit, NOT a surf suit).

Question 8

How do I sign up?

Accepted Answer

Our 2026 registration opens April 8 at noon AST at www.givetolive.ca/swim and we have sold out in as little as 24 hours in the past. We do limit our registration numbers for on-water safety purposes. This year that will be 50 spots for each distance. We will have a wait list if necessary.You can contact us at BIGSWIMDirector@givetolive.ca. The deadline to register is July 30 at midnight, if we still have spaces open.

Question 9

Am I making a difference?

Accepted Answer

ABSOLUTELY!! You are inspiring people by showing them that everyone can achieve something extraordinary. You should be incredibly proud of the money you are raising for Brigadoon Village.

Question 10

Why isn’t The BIG SWIM crossing the Northumberland Strait in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The event is evolving to bring swimmers closer to the impact of their fundraising. For 2026, hosting at Brigadoon on Aylesford Lake allows swimmers to connect directly with the mission while still enjoying a meaningful open-water experience. Funds raised support Brigadoon Village, and this year swimmers will have the added opportunity to experience the camp firsthand.

To round out The BIG SWIM experience, swimmers will be able to stay overnight at Brigadoon, just like the children they are helping to support.

This is not the first time The BIG SWIM has adjusted its location, during COVID we offered The BIG SWIM in Bras d’Or Lakes and that was a big success. We aim and hope to be back swimming to PEI in future years.

Question 11

Why move the swim to Brigadoon Village?

Accepted Answer

The BIG SWIM has always been about impact. Hosting the event at Brigadoon allows swimmers and supporters to see and feel where their fundraising goes - creating an even stronger connection between the event and the children and families it serves.

Camp at Brigadoon is where children living with chronic illness and health challenges get the rare chance to just be kids. For many, it’s the first time they don’t feel different or alone. There, they build friendships, confidence, resilience, and a true sense of belonging. In just one week, lives are transformed and campers leave believing they are capable of more than they ever imagined.

As an extra special feature of being onsite at Brigadoon swimmers will be able to start and end their swims from the GIVETOLIVE BIG SWIM Dock.

Click here for a full Virtual Tour of Brigadoon Village

Question 12

What is the GIVETOLIVE BIG SWIM Dock?

Accepted Answer

The GIVETOLIVE BIG SWIM Dock is located on the water’s edge of Brigadoon Village on Aylesford Lake, in Nova Scotia. It’s a special dock at Brigadoon Village that was dedicated to GIVETOLIVE’s BIG SWIM.

In 2018, GIVETOLIVE surpassed $1M raised for Brigadoon. That fall, Brigadoon hosted a celebratory event with a number of GIVETOLIVE folks onsite at camp and unveiled that they were naming Brigadoon’s swim dock the GIVETOLIVE BIG SWIM Dock in honour of their efforts, their impact and their outstanding commitment to Brigadoon.

Question 13

Why is it so much later in the summer?

Accepted Answer

The BIG SWIM can happen anytime in the summer and has varied from mid-July to late August over the years. Hosting it at Brigadoon makes this an extra special BIG SWIM. Brigadoon is an active camp until August 28 hosting hundreds of children with various chronic conditions over the summer.

Question 14

Why is there a back-up date to The BIG SWIM?

Accepted Answer

We have heard our BIG SWIM community ask for a back-up date to The BIG SWIM and we feel the time is right to offer that while we’re being hosted at Brigadoon Village. If the swim can not happen on Sunday, August 30, we’ll use the back-up date of Monday, August 31.

Question 15

Is this still a challenging open-water swim?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Aylesford Lake offers great open-water conditions and multiple route options that will challenge and inspire swimmers of all levels. Swimmers can still push themselves while also enjoying a safe, supportive environment. The 5km and 10km routes offer strong open-water challenges, while the 1km option welcomes newer swimmers.

Question 16

Will this still feel like The BIG SWIM?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the heart of The BIG SWIM stays the same: the challenge of swimming for Brigadoon, a very special & worthy cause. The new location simply brings everyone closer to the mission and allows them to experience Brigadoon camp life firsthand!

Question 17

How do I register or learn more?

Accepted Answer

Registration details and updates will be shared at www.givetolive.ca/swim and on GIVETOLIVE’s social media channels: Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. You can sign up for updates to all of our events at www.givetolive.ca and fill out the “Join the Club” form in our website footer.

What is The BIG SWIM?

Where is The BIG SWIM happening in 2026?

When is The BIG SWIM 2026?

What are the available swim routes?

What is the minimum age to participate in The BIG SWIM 2026?

What is the registration cost?

What is the required safety equipment to participate in The BIG SWIM?

How do I sign up?

Am I making a difference?

Why isn’t The BIG SWIM crossing the Northumberland Strait in 2026?

Why move the swim to Brigadoon Village?

What is the GIVETOLIVE BIG SWIM Dock?

Why is it so much later in the summer?

Why is there a back-up date to The BIG SWIM?

Is this still a challenging open-water swim?

Will this still feel like The BIG SWIM?

How do I register or learn more?

JOIN
THE CLUB.

Get the latest news & updates!

CONTACT.

What is The BIG SWIM?

Where is The BIG SWIM happening in 2026?

When is The BIG SWIM 2026?

What are the available swim routes?

What is the minimum age to participate in The BIG SWIM 2026?

What is the registration cost?

What is the required safety equipment to participate in The BIG SWIM?

How do I sign up?

Am I making a difference?

Why isn’t The BIG SWIM crossing the Northumberland Strait in 2026?

Why move the swim to Brigadoon Village?

What is the GIVETOLIVE BIG SWIM Dock?

Why is it so much later in the summer?

Why is there a back-up date to The BIG SWIM?

Is this still a challenging open-water swim?

Will this still feel like The BIG SWIM?

How do I register or learn more?

JOIN THE CLUB.

Get the latest news & updates!

CONTACT.

JOIN
THE CLUB.