FAQs

• Do not swim alone. Swim with other people who can help if something goes wrong. Let someone know where you are going
• Check conditions before you go. Look at the weather forecast, tides and water conditions. If conditions change or you do not feel confident, do not swim
• Do not swim if there is thunder and lightning – wait until at least 30 minutes after it passes
• Choose your location carefully. Follow local advice and swim in a familiar place, preferably with lifeguards. Check that you can get into and out of the water safely and easily
• Have a way to call for help. Take a fully charged mobile phone with you and make sure you can contact the emergency services if you or someone you are with need assistance
• Stay within your limits. Choose a distance and pace that suit your ability. You do not need to push yourself to complete the challenge
• Swim in daylight. Avoid swimming outdoors in the dark
• Wear something that helps you be seen. Brightly coloured swimwear or a brightly coloured hat can make you easier to spot. Using a tow float can give extra visibility but be aware that these are not buoyancy aids
• Consider suitable equipment. A wetsuit can provide buoyancy and warmth. Neoprene boots, gloves and a swimming cap can also help keep you more comfortable
• Enter the water slowly. Do not jump in. Cold water can cause your body to react suddenly, so take your time
• Know when to get out. If you feel too cold, dizzy, sick, confused, faint or unwell, leave the water and get help straight away
• Get dry and warm safely afterwards. Avoid standing around in wet swimwear;  put on warm, dry clothes, including a hat, and keep moving. Move somewhere warm and have a warm drink and something to eat. Do not have a hot shower straight away as this might make you feel dizzy or faint
• Do not swim after drinking alcohol, taking drugs or taking medications that may cause drowsiness or impair your judgement. You need to be able to assess the conditions and respond quickly if something goes wrong

Think about your health. If you have a health condition that could be affected by swimming or cold water, or if you are pregnant, speak to a healthcare professional before taking part.

Take responsibility for your own safety. Please make sure you understand the risks and feel able to take part safely. Fundraising activities are undertaken at your own risk and are not covered by Dementia UK’s insurance unless the activity has been arranged directly by Dementia UK.

If someone is in trouble in open water, call 999. Follow the emergency operator’s instructions and do not put yourself at risk by entering the water to help someone else.

• RNLI: open water swimming safety guidance
• Top recommendations for safer open water swimming: Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)What is the Water Safety Code? Swim England learn to swim companion

To sign up to the challenge, register here. 
 
When you register, your fundraising page will be automatically created for you. 

This is a virtual challenge so you can do it throughout Winter at a time that best suits you. You can do it in a lack, the sea or bathtub. You can do it together with your friends and family.

No. Taking part in the Dip for Dementia challenge is free!

There is no fundraising target for this challenge – we just ask you to raise as much as you can for families affected by dementia.

Yes. Donations made through Funraisin – our secure online fundraising platform – are sent to Dementia UK.

Like most online donations, your donation is subject to a standard payment processing fee charged by our payment provider, Stripe. This fee is typically 1.4% of the donation + 25p per UK card transaction.

Dementia UK does not pay any platform fees for donations made through Funraisin. The platform is funded through the optional contributions that some donors choose to make.

When you donate through Funraisin, you will see the option to add a voluntary contribution alongside your donation.

This optional contribution helps cover the running costs of Funraisin, including payment technology, fraud protection, customer support, ongoing platform improvements and compliance. If you choose to contribute, you will help cover these costs so Funraisin can continue to provide a free fundraising platform for Dementia UK and other charities.

No. The contribution is completely voluntary.

If you'd rather not add it, simply select ‘I don't wish to help cover costs’ during the donation process. Your donation will still be processed and sent to Dementia UK, and choosing not to contribute will not affect your donation or your fundraising experience.

The Tip Jar, also called the User Contribution, offers different amounts based on the size of your donation. This keeps the suggested contribution proportionate, with a lower percentage offered for larger donations. The contribution helps cover Funraisin’s platform costs, but it is completely optional—you can select an amount or choose not to contribute.

You certainly can. We’ll send you a sponsorship form in your fundraising pack, but if you need more than one form, simply download and print more copies here.

The easiest way to send cash donations to Dementia UK is by donating to your online fundraising page. Alternatively, you can:

Donate via our website

Please email virtualevents@dementiauk.org for your supporter reference number.

Send in a cheque made payable to Dementia UK. Enclose a note including your full name, the email address that you used to register for your tshirt, and an explanation that you raised the money for the Dip for Dementia. Post it to us at:

Dementia UK
7th Floor
One Aldgate
London
EC3N 1RE

Make a payment by phone by calling 0300 365 5500

If you have any questions about the event, you can contact us at virtualevents@dementiauk.org or 0300 365 5500.
 
If you need the support of our Admiral Nurses, you can call 0800 888 6678 (Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm), email helpline@dementiauk.org or visit our website dementiauk.org/get-support/.