Want to Make a Real Impact? Host an Epic Event for Surfers Against Sewage

The Big Swim this year was a passion project that expanded year after year; it started with 250 swimmers in 2023, 500 in 2024, and 1000 in 2025. I am now planning an even bigger event for next year!

Credit: Beth Wild Photography

The project started with an idea in the middle of the night. I wanted to combine raising money for Surfers Against Sewage, International Women’s Day, Brighton Beach, and my sea-swimming friends, all topped off with a large dose of sparkly shenanigans, and that’s how The Big Swim evolved.

Running an event for Surfers Against Sewage is more than just a gathering—it’s about being part of a movement. Whether it’s a beach clean-up, fundraiser, or surf comp, here’s how to plan, promote, and pull off a memory-making event. Everyone has heard of Surfers Against Sewage – you have a natural buy-in from the start.

Credit: Beth Wild Photography

1. Plan Ahead—It Takes Longer Than You Think

Give yourself extra time for planning, securing permits, and organizing logistics to avoid last-minute chaos.

Pro Tip: Create a Google Sites page with event details so everyone stays in the loop. Leave one week free before the event to deal with curve balls and PR. Curve balls are part of events! Beware

Finding the right insurance took weeks to resolve. My top tip is to see if you can run the event in partnership with a business, outdoor adventure centre, school, or community organisation that already has the right insurance. Start with this job!!

2. Build a Team – tap into your friends and contacts

A well-organized team with clear roles will make your event run smoothly from start to finish.

Out-of-the-Box Idea: Host a team reveal on Instagram Live to introduce your squad and generate buzz.

Pro Tip: Use a team WhatsApp and set up a chatbot that answers FAQs and sends automated reminders to team members.

Credit: Beth Wild Photography

3. Nail Your Event Brief

A clear and concise event brief ensures that everyone is aligned on goals, logistics, and expectations. Check for conflicting events and tide times, and be clear on location and times from the start.

Out-of-the-Box Idea: From the start, have your contingency plan in place. What happens in bad weather or staff shortages? Have a backup plan and know where you can gather extra volunteers, gazebos, loud hailers, portable PA systems, etc. – save these in your phone!

Pro Tip: Use Notion or ClickUp to create a shared event brief that updates in real time and keeps everyone aligned or go old school and use a shared spreadsheet.

4. Marketing: Get People Talking!

Plan at least a six-week marketing lead-in to the event—plan on a calendar what you will be posting and where. Consistency and brand recognition are key.

Out-of-the-box Idea: Use geofencing ads (Google/Facebook) to target people near the event location. Set up a Facebook event, invite co-hosts, and ask them to invite contacts.

Pro Tip: Create partnerships with local communities and businesses as this taps into their resources and contacts. Provide them with marketing assets they can use in newsletters and social media.

Research your ticket provider for hidden costs. You will be surprised at how much the platforms charge—you will need to adjust your prices!

5. Branding That Stands Out

Distinctive branding makes your event memorable and reinforces your mission.

Out-of-the-Box Idea: Post a shout-out on social media asking for branding help for the event. Ask local sixth forms or graphic design students who want to develop their portfolio, or if that fails, design on Canva.

Pro Tip: Shout out on social media for a local artist, designer, or creative to partner with you and create a piece of art for the event. This worked for The Big Swim – our local artist raised her profile sold the original and prints.

6. Event Day: Capture the Magic

This is super important to harness the photos, video and messages online – have a BIG sign on the day with social accounts and hashtags.

Out-of-the-Box Idea: Use event QR codes and event hashtags. Add the QR codes to event flags.

Pro Tip: Have an Instagram-friendly photo point. This does not have to be expensive, but it needs creativity and action to bring it to life.

Credit: Beth Wild Photography

7. Post-Event: Keep the Momentum Going

Be clear about where you are directing people next – website, newsletter or your next events  – do not waste all your energy.

Out-of-the-Box Idea: Prepare an Impact Report and showcase what the event achieved – this will be useful to show potential sponsors. Collate all the post-event messages and add them to the report.

Pro Tip: Have one place to channel all your attendees to and say Thank you to all your supporters.

You can read The Big Swim Impact Report Here

So there you have it—my behind-the-scenes brain dump of tips, lessons, and sparkly chaos from The Big Swim journey so far. I hope it inspires you to dive in and create your own epic event for Surfers Against Sewage. Remember, it doesn’t have to be big to make a difference—just full of heart, energy, and a touch of glitter.

Good luck with your event and Happy Planning!

With salty love,
@PinkNicky

Credit: Beth Wild Photography