Southampton Boat Show to feature charity swimming event

An event in this year’s Southampton International Boat Show will see 125 swimmers diving into Southampton docks.

The inaugural swimming event will see participants entering the water from the boat show pontoons and swimming 1.25 kilometres across Southampton docks.

All proceeds from the swim will be passed to Southmapton-based charity the Red Rose Association, which provides services for children and young adults with severe physical disabilities, learning disabilities and/or autism.

Chloe Atkins, Head of Fundraising at the charity said: “Participation in outdoor swimming in the UK is reported to have increased by between 1.5 and 3 times since 2019 so we felt now was the time to launch this event.

“So many people describe being in open water as a liberating experience and we liken this to the freedom’s hydrotherapy gives to the children and young people we support here at Rose Road.

“The event will help us to raise awareness of the charity and raise vital funds for activities such as hydrotherapy, overnight respite care and school holiday clubs for disabled people. We are incredibly grateful to the British Marine for allowing us to stage this event, and to Rees Leisure our event partner.”

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The swim presents a unique opportunity for open water swimmers, as the docks would usually be too dangerous to swim in due to the movements of boats.

Participants will also be allowed into the boat show before it opens to the public, and will be able to enjoy the events on offer following the swim.

Mark Ring, Head of Events at British Marine said: “The Southampton International Boat Show has something for everyone, from paddle boards to super yachts and including an open water swim in the line-up of events will bring an exciting new element to the show.

“The community of Southampton gives us a great deal of support during the show period, we were keen to be able to give something back. As one of the great local charities that we support and one which provides a new wellbeing challenge for local people, we can do just that!”

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