News
Wild swimmers head back to Eastbourne for marine charity’s fourth open water event
Marine Conservation Society’s popular fundraiser stays on the south coast
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) says it’s delighted to be returning to Eastbourne to host its fourth Big Sea Swim charity event. The bathing waters off Eastbourne beach have consistently been recognised as excellent by the charity in its Good Beach Guide.
Since the event began in 2012 it’s raised over £12,000 for MCS, the UK’s leading marine charity, ensuring the organisation can continue its work on marine pollution, protection and sustainable seafood.
The Big Sea Swim is open to swimmers of all abilities who like to do their breast stroke and front crawl away from the confines of the swimming pool. Swimmers can register online now for the event on Saturday 11th July. There are two courses – 1km for first time or less experienced swimmers and a 3km swim for those up for a bigger challenge.
Last year over 60 swimmers took part in the event organised by MCS in conjunction with swim event organiser SwimTrek who will be there on the day to ensure the safety of everyone taking part. The event is supported by eco-fashion label, Rapanui, organic beauty experts, Green People, and organic food delivery company, Abel & Cole.
Alisdair Naulls, MCS Recruitment Officer, says the Big Sea Swim is a chance to experience open water swimming in clean seas: “We would love to see even more people take part in the event this year and help raise more funds for our conservation work. Registration is just £25 for the 1km course and £35 for the 3km. This year we’re throwing down a challenge for swimmers to try and get sponsorship too. £50 of sponsorship means MCS can equip 10 people with beach cleaning kit. The three people who raise the most will get a year’s free membership to MCS.”
Mark Burgess from SwimTrek says: “The Big Sea Swim is a great event that we are proud to be involved with. Eastbourne is a fantastic location for a sea swim with its excellent water quality, clean beach and very supportive seafront team. As well as raising awareness of the work MCS does, the event is a fantastic opportunity to experience open water swimming in a fun and safe environment.”
Alisdair Naulls says MCS is delighted that the event gets plenty of local support: “Eastbourne Borough Council are using it as part of their ‘Time 2 Change’ initiative, encouraging people to get active and eat healthily. The Eastbourne Lifeguarding team will be helping out at the event to ensure, along with SwimTrek – themselves a local company, participants’ safety and to make sure the focus remains on enjoying the swim, and raising some funds.”
Places are limited so swimmers are urged to visit www.mcsuk.org/swim now to find out more about the event and book a place.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
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Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
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Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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