Around 2,500 swimmers expected at Swimarathon

Sunday 10 March 2024

Over 400 teams have already registered to make a splash at this year's charity Swimarathon event – a sign of recovery from Covid disruptions, according to organisers.

Peter Tabb of the Lions Club of Jersey said that 404 teams had already registered to take part, which equates to approximately 2,500 swimmers.

The event is to support nine charities which work around the theme of outdoor wellbeing and therapy projects: Brighter Futures, Beach Ability, Jersey Mencap, Jersey Sea Cadets, Acorn Enterprises, Autism Jersey, Wetwheels Jersey, Healing Waves, and Les Amis.

For the first time, funds will be split according to each organisation's requests, Mr Tabb explained.

Funds raised will also support individuals in need, who stay anonymous, he said.

"That's what the Swimarathon does: it helps other charities, but also, it helps us, with the surplus, to help individual people in the community."

Pictured: Helvetia House School students at last year's Swimarathon. (Rob Currie)

After the 2020 edition of the event was cancelled at short notice and 2021 had seen a low of around 200 teams entered, numbers were now back to pre-Covid levels.

Although there was no fundraising goal, Mr Tabb said, an all-time high had come in 2012 when competitors raised £147,000.

Mr Tabb added that sponsor Ravenscroft would cover all running costs.

"We make it very clear to the swimmers: none of their effort goes to pay for administration," he said.

The Lions Swimarathon is set to take place from Wednesday 13 to Sunday 17 March at Les Quennevais pool.