ABOUT US
A Swim With Purpose
Go Overboard started in 2014 with a simple idea: swim from Albania to Corfu and raise money for causes we care about. What began with just nine friends in open water has since grown into a global swim-for-impact movement.
We bring together swimmers of all ages and abilities - some more experienced, others newer to the sea - for joyful, purpose-led events that raise funds for grassroots environmental and community initiatives. Whether you're joining us in Corfu or from your local lake, you’re helping us protect the waters we swim in and the people who live by them.
Our Mission
Go Overboard exists to advance the protection, conservation, and improvement of the natural environment, with a particular focus on marine and coastal ecosystems.
We raise funds through organised swim challenges and community-led initiatives, directing support to environmental projects that deliver measurable impact and public benefit.
Our approach brings people together around a shared physical challenge, transforming collective effort into practical action that safeguards seas, shorelines, and the communities that depend on them.
Start at
$2
per day
Meet the Team
Go Overboard was created by Nick Cookson and Nick Lemis, with long-time support from Justyna Mucha and Dani Lachowicz. What started as a community effort has grown thanks to the power of friendships, word of mouth, and a passion for the sea.
Nick Lemis
Founder & Trustee
Nick Cookson
Founder & Trustee
Dani Lachowicz
Trustee
Justyna Cookson
Director
Friends of the swim
None of this would be possible without the people who stand beside us.
From local businesses to passionate volunteers, our friends make the swim happen year after year — and we’re endlessly grateful.
Title Sponsor
Founding Sponsor
Partner
Friends and Supporters
Title Sponsor
Founding Sponsor
Partner
Friends and Supporters
Charity Growth
From just 9 swimmers in 2014 and a handful of hopeful ideas, Go Overboard has grown into an international event with over 100 participants per swim from 19 countries — and a deeply engaged, passionate community.
What makes us different is how we grow: 92% of our momentum in the past three years has come organically, with no ads, no paid promotions — just people sharing a meaningful experience and coming back for more.
As a registered UK charity, in 2026, we're entering a bold new chapter:
- We are delivering the Go Overboard Global Swim Challenge, enabling participants to swim any distance, anywhere in the world over a six-month period.
- We are developing new swim routes in exciting locations, expanding our reach while staying rooted in environmental impact.
- And we continue to scale our fundraising, having now raised €200,000 to support marine conservation projects in the Ionian Islands.
What started as a swim has become a platform for environmental impact, global connection and lasting change.
Start at
$15
per day
DIVE INTO THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Swim across borders, raise money for the planet, and become part of a global community making waves for change.
