Experienced kayakers and canoeists are being sought to help support 200 swimmers taking part in the Isle of Wight Marlins Swim Club’s annual Bay Swim next month.
The long-running event, now in its 72nd year, will take place on Saturday 1st August, with swimmers setting off from Sandown Pier at 14:00 before tackling the 1.8-mile crossing to the finish on the beach outside Shanklin Rowing Club.
Although this year’s swim is now fully booked, organisers are appealing for a few more canoeists and kayakers to join the safety team and help ensure the event runs smoothly.
Volunteers should be confident on the water, capable of paddling at least a mile and willing to remain with a swimmer who requires assistance until a safety boat arrives to recover them.
Those with their own kayak are encouraged to bring it along, although organisers can provide a kayak, paddle and buoyancy aid to experienced paddlers if required.
A mandatory safety briefing will take place at 13:15 at the Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat Station before the swim gets underway.
Anyone interested in helping is asked to contact Andrew, the event’s Safety Craft organiser, by emailing [email protected], where they will receive the latest safety briefing information.
