News
Swindon Sub Aqua Club take chilly annual dip for RNLI
ENGLAND – Scuba divers in Wiltshire braved the chilly winter depths of the River Thames last Sunday and raised more than £1,000 for charity.
Every year, members of Swindive, the Swindon branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club, take a two-mile swim from Inglesham to St John’s Lock in Lechlade to raise money for the RNLI.
As they have done for about 40 years, participants met at 10am behind The Trout Inn in Lechlade before they were ferried to the start of the route behind the St John the Baptist Church in Inglesham.
Accompanied by a safety boat, 14 divers took to the water and were swept downstream.
Gill Marsh, the public relations officer for Swindive, said: “It went very well. The event has been running for a very long time and takes place on a Sunday in early January each year.
“Family, friends and the general public are invited to walk the route as spectators. The number of participants and the amount of money raised has varied widely over the years. We had about 14 swimmers, which was slightly less than we had hoped for. A lot of the members who might have taken part unfortunately had prior commitments on the same day.
“We probably raised around £1,000 in total and around £500 will go towards the RNLI. It’s a charity very close to our hearts because you never know when we’re going to need their help. We go out to dive in the sea and sometimes there are problems, and we rely on the RNLI to help. As a charity they desperately rely on donations, so that’s why the money we raise from this goes there.”
The time taken to ‘swim’ the course varies enormously between years depending on how fast the river is flowing. In a fast year it could be as little as 20 minutes or less, while in a slow year it may take up to an hour and a half.
Gill said: “It was a beautiful day, the sun was out and the water was running quite fast so we finished it quite quickly. I think the water was warmer than the air. Overall it was a very good morning.”
To find out more about Swindive go to www.swindive.co.uk.
Source: www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
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Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
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To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
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Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
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Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
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The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
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