Charity Swim Starts from Restored Horseshoe Pool

This year’s fundraising Castle Swim will start from the Horseshoe Pool at La Valette and finish at the Castle Cornet slipway.

The Hub and the Guernsey Society for Cancer Relief will benefit from the Guernsey Swimming Club’s Open Castle Swim on Saturday 20th August.

All local swimmers over the age of 12 years are invited to take part in this popular open water swim across Havelet Bay. As usual, kayakers will be in the water to monitor swimmers, and everyone who participates will receive a commemorative medal.

‘This is the second year that Louvre Group has supported the Guernsey Swimming Club’s summer series of bay swims and the Open Castle Swim is a real highlight of the season. We are delighted that the event will start from the newly restored Horseshoe Pool,’ commented Haidée Stephens, Managing Director of Louvre Trust (Guernsey) Ltd.

‘Last year the water was a little choppy, but the event still raised £1, 000 for Anthony McMahon and Jonah Gillingham. We hope the weather will be sunny and encourage everyone to come and enjoy the atmosphere.’

The average swimmer can 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, an award that islanders have been competing for since 1996.

The Guernsey Society for Cancer Relief assists cancer sufferers and their families when the extra financial burdens are beyond the capabilities of the family. The charity helps to cover the costs of air or boat tickets for relatives or carers to accompany a patient to the UK for treatment, and will provide nursing care at night or ‘home helps’ for patients who are unable to manage alone.

The event will also benefit young people in the island via The Hub. Funded by Young People Guernsey, The Hub provides a safe and friendly environment for anyone who needs to talk about their problems or worries. The free-to-use service includes different clubs, courses and drop-in sessions for anyone under the age of 18.  

‘Everyone knows about the Open Castle Swim; there is always a great atmosphere with spectators coming down to support their family and friends. It’s the perfect way to mark the end of summer,’ adds Guernsey Swimming Club Director Jo Norman. ‘These are two very worthy charities 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 3.00pm at the Horseshoe pool at La Vallette.