SWIMMERS are being urged to swap the pool for open water.
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS) Open Water Festival returns to Ragley Hall on Sunday May 22.
The Ragley Crawl will see swimmers plunge into the lake to tackle a one-mile, half a mile or team relay course aimed at encouraging all levels of open water swimmers.
The day will include fun family activities, stalls and refreshments all in aid of drowning prevention and anyone from first time open water dippers to regular competitors are welcome to take part.
Former Great Britain world champion swimmer James Hickman is also set to be among those taking the plunge.
RLSS’s Technical Director, Adrian Lole said: “Open water swimming is the UK’s fastest growing sport and, as the leaders in water safety and lifesaving education, we want to continue to provide safe open water swimming.
“Around 400 people needlessly die from drowning in the UK every year and we want to ensure everyone of all ages can enjoy water safely. This is why we want to offer a fun open water swimming event that everyone can enjoy in a safe, controlled environment.”
Swimmers can also raise money for RLSS. All proceeds from the event will go towards drowning prevention work to ultimately save lives.
RLSS has also organised a Rookie Raid, a 200m swim and 400m run aimed at eight to 12-year-olds.
The one-mile (for anyone over 16) and half a mile swim (for anyone over 12) costs £22 per person. To enter a team for the relay race (3 x 400m)costs £36 per team. The Rookie Raid costs £6 per person.
The fee includes entry to the house and grounds of Ragley Hall. Non-swimmers (spectators and travelling supporters) will be charged £5 per person, a reduced entry fee for full access to the hall and estate.
Ragley Crawl will be lifeguarded by RLSS UK Lifeguards.
Visit www.rlss.org.uk to book.
