The UK’s drowning prevention charity has teamed up with Southern Water for this year’s Pier to Pier Swim, set to be held tomorrow (9 September). This is the first year that the charity is involved with this annual event.

The Brighton Pier to Pier swim is set to see over 60 participants swapping the swimming pool to take the plunge into Brighton’s open water.

RLSS UK’s Technical Director and event organiser, Adrian Lole, said: “Open water swimming in the UK is the fastest growing sport and as the leaders in water safety and lifesaving education, we want to continue to provide safe open water swimming.

“Around 400 people needlessly die from drowning in the UK every year and we want to ensure everyone of all ages can enjoy water safely. This is why we offer fun open water swimming events that everyone can enjoy in a safe, controlled environment.”

The challenge swim allows swimmers to tackle a 2,000m, 1,000m and 500m course designed to encourage all levels of open water swimmers to get in and enjoy the freedom of the open water. Swimmers are also raising money for RLSS UK’s drowning prevention work to ultimately save lives and The Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Trust.

Swimmers were originally meant to swim from Brighton’s Pier to Pier but due to prevailing conditions the event has moved to Weir wood reservoir, a fantastic location where swimmers can still enjoy the challenge in open water.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for first timers, novice and experienced open water swimmer to experience open water swimming,” Adrian added.

Olympic gold medallist, Duncan Goodhew, MBE, ambassador for Southern Water’s learn to swim initiative will also be taking part in the event. 

For more information or to take part visit www.rlss.org.uk/events/brighton-pier-pier-swim/

This event is sponsored by Clancy DOCWRA, Orbit and UK Search Ltd.