This in from Bob, in his own words. Ed
The 62nd Sandown to Shanklin sea swim race is due to take place on Saturday 9th August, but is in jeopardy due to the insufficient number of kayak/canoeists currently available.
The swim’s Safety, Officer, Bob Cooper, states,
“The safety of the swimmers is our paramount concern. We are required by the insurance to have a certain number of first line safety boats to the number of swimmers who can participate. These first line safety boats are kayaks/ canoeists that paddle along near the swimmers and if a swimmer gets problems they are immediately there to secure the swimmer. Then one of the lifeboats comes in and takes over the care of the swimmer.
“The Island Kayak Club have done a super job for us for many years, and still do, but due to the nationwide respect this event holds in the sea swimming and triathlon world the numbers grow each year. We have had 180 entries for this year’s event, but with the known availability of first line safety craft we are going to have to accept only around 100.
“We hate to turn people away, but we will have to if we can’t recruit some more kayakers/ canoeists to provide the extra safety cover. So we’re putting out an urgent appeal to any kayakers/ canoeists who can operate on the sea to help make this the biggest swim yet.”
Why still ‘Pier to Pier swim’?
They still call it the ‘Pier to Pier swim’, despite Shanklin Pier having disappeared many years ago.
Many people come great distances from the mainland to participate in this event, and turn it in to a mini-holiday whilst competing for the many cups and trophies. The swim forms a part of the Shanklin Regatta, and has been run on behalf of the Shanklin Regatta Committee for the last 11 years by Isle of Wight Marlins Swim club.
Sandown Inshore Lifeboat host the start, and are overall managers of the on-water safety cover, and additional support comes from Ryde Inshore Rescue and Shanklin Deep Sea Fishing Club, whose members turn out in force in powered craft to back up the kayaks. The finish and presentations are at Shanklin Rowing Club. This year the start will be at 12:30p.m.
Adrian Brown, of Isle of Wight Kayak Club says,
“Kayaks are the ideal close-in escort craft, as they can safely get close to the swimmers and provide immediate help if it is needed. Even when safety help isn’t needed, we often have to correct swimmers’ navigation, as they can’t always see too well where they are heading. I’d love to hear from any local kayakers, or canoeists who think they may be able to help out on the day. It’s a great deal of fun for them too, and not too difficult.”
Anyone who is interested and available should contact Adrian Brown, phone 01983 862910 or email [email protected]
An Island success story
This event is an Island success story and to have to restrict entries and thus visitors will be very disappointing. Let’s hope enough people come forward to help it grow, and provide even more fun and fulfilment for all those who want to take part.
