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.