This summer, open water swim sessions will resume in Bristol’s harbour.
All Aboard Watersports, Bristol’s leading charity in providing watersport activities, has formalized an agreement with Bristol City Council to oversee Open Water Swimming at Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
The supervised swimming sessions will commence on Saturday, June 15. They are scheduled to occur every Saturday and Sunday morning from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
The participation fee remains £7.50 per person, which includes coverage for planning, operational costs, and implementation of water safety measures. John Smith, Executive Director of Growth and Regeneration at Bristol City Council remarked, “We are pleased to announce the continuation of open water swim sessions in Bristol’s harbour this summer.
Following last year’s highly successful trial swims—where over 650 participants engaged at Baltic Wharf—we eagerly anticipate welcoming back All Aboard Watersports. Their successful bid to manage the harbour swimming contract assures us that their extensive local expertise will ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all.”
“Outside of these arrangements, which provide professional safety supervision and direction, and without prior consent from the Harbour Master, it remains unsafe and against the bylaws to swim in the Harbour, Cumberland Basin, or other waterways in Bristol. Maintaining a safe waterway for all harbour users is our priority and must not be compromised by behaviour which ignores the potential dangers associated with entering the city’s waterways.”
Simon Chapman, All Aboard Chair of Trustees said, “We are delighted to add swimming to the activities we deliver on the water. Our participation in the trials last year and our extensive water based activities provides confidence that we can deliver a great swim event safely.
“Any surplus income will be used to help fund our charitable aim: breaking down barriers and making it possible for everyone in our community to participate in watersports.”
Similar to last year’s swims, the designated course will start at Baltic Wharf just off Cumberland Road, near All Aboard’s Centre. The water quality will be tested weekly to make sure it meets bathing water standards.
Luke Hoather, All Aboard Watersports Operations Director said “Safety and fun are our priorities. This is a great opportunity for our community to swim in the Harbour in a safe and fun environment as well as experience the many benefits of open water swimming. We can only do this with the help and goodwill of the Open Water Swimming Community and we ask that they get in touch with us, if they wish to volunteer.”
If you’d like to get involved and volunteer to help run the swim sessions please email Jemma Corbett at centremanager@allaboardwaterports.co.uk.
You can also register your interest to receive information about the swim session and how to book by emailing Jemma at centremanager@allaboardwaterports.co.uk
Further details on what to bring, facilities available and staying safe in the water will be available on All Aboard Watersports’ website: www.allaboardwatersports.co.uk.
