The Four Lights
Rules & Safety
A challenge with a standard — certified by others, claimed through us.
The Four Lights is a challenge, not a governing body. We set the four crossings and keep the record of who has held them; we do not run swims, provide safety cover, or ratify results ourselves. What follows is what a crossing must satisfy to count toward the series — and what you take on when you attempt one.
Certification
Certified by others. Claimed through us.
Every crossing must be independently observed and certified by a recognised third-party open-water swimming authority. In Ireland this is typically the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association (ILDSA).
The Four Lights is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting for the ILDSA or any other body. We recognise their ratification; we do not issue our own. Your swim counts toward the series once it has been certified to a recognised standard by one of these authorities.
The rules
What a crossing must satisfy to count.
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01
Certification
Each crossing must be independently observed and certified by a recognised third-party authority (typically the ILDSA). We recognise the certifying body's ratification and do not ratify swims ourselves.
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02
The crossing
The swim is between the lighthouse and the mainland. It may be made in either direction and may come ashore anywhere on the mainland, but it must begin or end at the lighthouse and be accredited over a distance of more than 10 km. The Black Head crossing must finish in Co. Galway.
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03
Aids
Standard unassisted open-water rules apply, as defined by the certifying body: a textile swimsuit, one cap, goggles and grease. No wetsuit, flotation, fins or propulsion, and no supporting contact with the escort craft or any other person. Assisted or wetsuit swims may be logged, but do not count toward holding the Four Lights.
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04
Notification
Tell us before you go. Notify The Four Lights of an intended attempt ahead of time — the light, your planned dates, your pilot and your certifying observer — so the swim can be recognised toward the series.
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05
Claiming your light
After a successful crossing, submit your certification to us to claim the light. Claims must be made within three months of the swim. Each of the four lights is claimed separately; hold all four to hold the Four Lights.
Safety & logistics
Serious water. Attempt at your own risk.
These are serious open-water crossings in cold, tidal, exposed water. You attempt them entirely at your own risk. The Four Lights organises nothing on the water, provides no safety cover, and accepts no liability for any attempt, its outcome, or anything that happens in the course of it.
Swim within your experience and follow best practice. A crossing should be made with a qualified pilot and a suitable escort craft, an independent observer, proper feeding and cold-water preparation, and the safety requirements of your certifying body. Make the local Coast Guard aware of your plans, carry appropriate communications, and be ready to call a swim at the pilot's word. The sea here does not negotiate.
Pilots
A ratified crossing needs a recognised pilot and a suitable escort craft. We are compiling a list of pilots for each of the four crossings.
Coming soonPilot details for each light are being compiled and will be listed here.
Pilot these waters? Get listed