The Ultimate Swim Across Lake Lugano
The Stella swim traverses the double length of Lake Lugano from Porlezza in Italy to Agno in Switzerland. At approximately 30km this swim is a serious fresh water challenge and a stunning holiday destination all in one!
Stella Swim Route Across Lake Lugano
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 Stella 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.
Swimmer Information (online form)
4. Deadlines.
Deposit: due upon booking (usually a year in advance and no later than the 31st of March in the year of your swim).
Remaining balance: due within 90 days of the deposit, or before the 30th of April in the year of your swim (whichever is sooner).
Swimmer Information: as soon as possible and at least two weeks before the start of your swim window.
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 LLSA Stella swim? Click here to start the journey and embark on your dream swim.
FAQ
1.When is the best time to swim Lake Lugano?
Typically the swim season in Lake Lugano runs from June to early October, however it is impossible to specify the best day for a swim attempt due to the unpredictability of the weather and conditions on the lake, including water temperature, which can range anywhere between 16ºC and 27ºC. Note however that these temperatures are more susceptible to abrupt changes than in a larger body of water such as the sea. Earlier on in the season the lake is still warming up however you can expect longer days, whilst towards the end of the season the daylight hours are shorter and the water temperature can vary depending on the recent conditions.
2. Are there requirements to attempt a Lake Lugano swim?
Yes. For a solo attempt the LLSA requires that you have a certified self-assessment swim consisting of a ?? hour swim, followed by a ?? hour swim the following day, in water that is ??18ºC or colder. For relay attempts the self-assessment swim consists of a two hour continuous swim in water that is ??ºC/??ºF or colder. The self-assessment swim should not be treated as your sole preparation for your swim, but rather it is to give you a good idea of what you are preparing for, and to make you aware of the dangers. Do not practice swimming alone.
3.Where do I train and how do I acclimatise to the cold water?
It is a good idea to train in order to be able to breathe bi-laterally. This will mean that swimmers can breathe on either side of the escort boat using the shelter of the hull if the wind gets up or avoiding the exhaust fumes if the wind is in the wrong direction.
Swimmers generally build up their resistance for endurance swimming in swimming pools over the winter, whilst completing regular outdoor swims in order to remain acclimatised to the cold water. The open water training season generally begins in May and continues all throughout the swim season. You can ask swimmers in your local area about open water swimming clubs and ways to train with other swimmers. It is not recommended to swim alone.
If you are planning to swim Lake Lugano you will need to do swims much longer than your self-assessment swim. Swims can easily take an entire day to complete. The more cold water swimming you do the more likely your body is going to adapt to the conditions.
Remember that swimming in fresh water is not the same as salt water and you should be aware of these differences before you begin your training.
4. How do I find other aspiring Lake Geneva swimmers?
It is a good idea to speak to other aspiring swimmers and you can look in your area open water swimmers. Try to gather local knowledge and searching online for open water swimming clubs or Facebook/other groups on social media.
5.What should I eat and drink?
A swimmer’s nutrition plan is specific to each individual. You will need to refuel throughout your swim attempt therefore you should experiment with different liquids and solids to see what works for you. Never try something new on the day.
6. Do you provide support crew?
Support crew is your responsibility and and it is important to have a crew that you can rely on and that knows your swimming habits. It is a long swim and your crew should be prepared for little sleep and fluctuating temperatures. The term ‘support crew’ should not be confused with, and does not refer to the skippers, lifeguard(s) and observer(s) who will be onboard your escort boat. These are essential to your swim therefore make sure you check with the LLSA how many crew you plan on bringing.
Each vessel is equipped with the necessary facilities to accompany this kind of swim, nevertheless it is advisable to double check with your skippers regarding the toilet and other arrangements as each boat may vary.
7. How early can I register for my swim?
You may register as early as you like. Most swimmers book long in advance try and secure their preferred dates.
8.Is the water clean? What’s the water temperature?
The water quality has been described as ‘??’ and there are many public swimming zones along the shores of the lake. The water temperature can range anywhere between 16ºC and 27?ºC, however please note that these temperatures are not guaranteed, being more susceptible to abrupt changes than in a larger body of water such as the sea, and will depend entirely on the weather conditions in the weeks and days leading up to the event.
Are there any currents?
As with all large bodies of water movement is inevitable. Previous swimmers have given mixed reports of various currents on the lake, and these will depend largely on the conditions just before and during your swim attempt. Nevertheless you should train appropriately for your swim and not rely on any current to carry you to Agno.
Where should I stay?
Where swimmers stay is down to preference, with many choosing to stay in Lugano. For general information on the area visit our Travel and accommodation page under Resources.
Where do I meet my escort boat?
This should be specified and agreed beforehand with your skipper. Typically swimmers meet the support boat the morning of their scheduled departure at the dock in Lugano. You then sail to Porlezza from where swims normally start. As mentioned above no one can predict accurately the weather conditions more than a few days in advance of your swim window. Occasionally accurate forecasts can only be made a day or two beforehand, and even these may be subject to change.
Do people not make it?
Having an accurate idea of speed will help swimmers to estimate how long it will take to complete their swim. This is important in order to prepare mentally. Many failures are the result of not having the right mental attitude, both throughout training and during the swim itself. Willpower is needed to push through the pain barriers that never go away. The importance of mental fortitude is emphasised by the common piece of advice - “never put your body where your mind hasn’t already been.“