Guided Classica

The International Swim across Lake Lugano

Dive into the pristine waters of Lake Lugano and embark on a 13km journey that crosses from Italy into Switzerland. The Guided Classica Swim is a unique adventure. It combines the challenge of open-water swimming with the stunning Lugano Prealps.

Guided Classica Swims are designed to suit your needs. Swim solo, in relay or as a group. Choose your preferred date-window and let your swim guides escort you from start to finish (the start day and swim direction will depend on the conditions for your window).

Entry includes

  • Escort boat, pilot and lifeguard

  • Swim hat

Swim Route Across Lake Lugano

Click the image below to enlarge.

How to attempt a swim across Lake Lugano

Those swimmers who wish to swim across Lake Lugano may complete several steps with the LLSA before they dive in swimming. It is important to be honest about your own abilities and to be aware of the time, effort and training necessary to make an attempt. Please make sure to read all the information here thoroughly before proceeding with your booking. A few key points to remember

  • Any questions concerning your Guided Classica swim should be directed toward the LLSA here.

  • Remember to confirm when and where to meet your escort boat. Typically swims begin early in the morning.

  • Become familiar with what the LLSA requires of swimmers and please note the application deadlines.

Once you believe you are ready to make an attempt you should

  1. Choose your dates. Make sure to book your preferred dates as early as possible (usually a year in advance and no later than the 31st of March in the year of your swim), to ensure you secure the dates you want. Bookings must be made for the entire swim window. Specific days cannot be selected. Your swim may take place at any point during this window, depending on the weather and lake conditions. Remember to be prepared and remain flexible, ensuring that you are available to swim at any point during your swim window.

  2. Secure your dates. Often it is necessary to agree on the terms and conditions and pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your dates.

  3. Complete your paperwork. Upon reservation you will be instructed to complete your Swimmer Information via our online form. You will also download the LLSA Medical and Self-Assessment Swim forms, which must both be completed after the 1st of January in the year of your swim, and at least two weeks before the start of your swim window. Please note the LLSA cannot accept any other medical forms except our own (e.g. CSA or CS&PF) although most doctors are happy to sign off more than one form for different swims during one visit.

    1. Swimmer Information (online form)

    2. SAMPLE Medical Form (Do not use)

    3. SAMPLE Self-Assessment Swim Form (Do not use)

  4. Deadlines.

    1. Deposit: due upon booking (usually a year in advance and no later than the 31st of March in the year of your swim).

    2. Remaining balance: due within 90 days of the deposit, or before the 30th of April in the year of your swim (whichever is sooner).

    3. Swimmer Information: as soon as possible and at least two weeks before the start of your swim window.

    4. LLSA Medical and Self-Assessment Swim forms: after the 1st of January in the year of your swim and at least two weeks before the start of your swim window.

    If you cannot meet these deadlines, then you must make contact with the office well in advance of the above dates to see if your registration can be extended. Any additional paperwork, such as a change of team members and paperwork corrections etc, may attract an additional admin fee and there is no guarantee that this paperwork can be completed on time. Your LLSA registration could be cancelled if it is not completed by the 31st of March so make sure you are not late!

  5. Late Application. Applications and bookings made after the specified deadlines may be processed by the LLSA, but only by arrangement and it is not guaranteed that they will be completed in time for your swim. If you are planning to make a late registration make sure to speak with the LLSA before booking your swim with a pilot.

So you want to attempt the Guided Classica swim? Click here to start the journey and embark on your dream swim.

FAQ

What is the route?

The swim is between Porlezza, Italy, and Lugano, Switzerland. The direction may vary depending on the day’s conditions.

When is the best time to swim Lake Lugano? Is the water clean?

The warmest water temperatures are typically from June to September, ranging from 20ºC to 24ºC however this is not guaranteed and it is impossible to specify the best day for a swim attempt. The water quality has been described as ‘excellent’. The locals generally take great pride this status, with many public swimming zones along the shores of the lake.

Swim window

Swim windows usually run from Monday to Friday. Your swim day depends on weather and reservation priority. If multiple swims are booked, the first one gets priority. The LLSA asks you to stay flexible and be ready to swim anytime during your window.

Support person and feeding

You need to have a support person on the escort boat during your swim. This is crucial for your swim's success. They will provide food and meet your personal needs. Solo swimmers can bring up to two support people.

Is the Guided Classica Swim an event or a race?

A Guided Classica Swim is a private swim arranged just for you/your group to suit your needs. It is neither a mass participation event nor a race.

Can I swim as part of a relay or in a group?

You can swim with up to 3 others, but everyone must match pace and stay together. Alternatively, you can form a relay team.

What pace shall I put down?

Please share your average time for swimming one kilometre in open water, whether during training or a competition. If you have a faster time, please provide that. Note, in a group, all swimmers must match the pace of at least 30 minutes per kilometre to finish within the time limits.

Is there a time limit?

Swimmers usually finish in three to six hours. However, they must complete it within a set time limit of seven hours.

What if the weather is bad?

If the forecast is looking bad we will contact you in the days before your chosen date to assess the available options.

Are wetsuits allowed?

Yes! You and your team are welcome to swim with or without a wetsuit. Bear in mind that wetsuit swims/relays will be recorded under a separate classification in the LLSA records.

Are there any requirements to attempt the swim?

Yes, all swimmers must have a medical exam and certificate before swimming. A Guided Classica Swim is tough, both physically and mentally, and stresses your body.

Where should I stay?

Where swimmers stay is down to preference. For general information on the area visit our Travel and accommodation page under Resources.

How do I find other aspiring Lake Lugano swimmers?

If you would like to meet other swimmers you can find Lake Lugano swimming forums online and dedicated groups on social media. Try searching for open water swimming clubs or Facebook/other social media platforms.