Open Castle Swim Back With a Splash

Two young islanders will benefit from the return of the Guernsey Swimming Club’s Open Castle Swim on Sunday 28th August.

Proceeds from this year’s swimming event will go towards the medical treatment needed for Anthony McMahon and Jonah Gillingham.

10-year-old Anthony McMahon requires a second operation as part of his reconstructive leg surgery and 17-year-old Jonah Gillingham is undergoing treatment for a rare and life-threatening blood disorder.

All local swimmers over the age of 12 years are invited to take part in this popular open water swim from Havelet Bay to Castle Cornet. The first group of 50 swimmers will set off at 4pm and the annual swim will run until around 6pm.

‘The Open Castle Swim is a great tradition and an ever-popular way to enjoy our beautiful waters and raise some money for two important local causes. This year’s event is particularly special, as the Guernsey Swimming Club is celebrating its 130-year anniversary in August,’ says Haidée Stephens, Managing Director, Louvre Trust (Guernsey) Limited. ‘We’ve got our fingers crossed for good weather and if you haven’t done anything like this before then this is your chance to give it a go as there will be plenty of people around for support.’

The average swimmer is able to complete the Open Castle Swim in around 25 minutes but the event’s accessibility means it is open to swimmers of all abilities. The oldest swimmer will also be presented with the Bill Green Memorial Trophy, a trophy that islanders have been competing for since 1996.

‘Whether you’re looking to set a time goal or you just want to have a bit of fun with friends, it’s the perfect way to mark the end of summer,’ adds Guernsey Swimming Club Director Jo Norman. ‘Anthony and Jonah are incredibly strong young boys and we’re hoping that people will ‘splash’ their cash for them!’

You can take part in the Open Castle Swim for a minimum donation of £3. Swimmers can check-in from 3pm at the Havelet slipway by Octopus Restaurant.

www.guernseyswimming.com