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The 30 bays in 30 days sea swimming challenge is celebrating its 10th year in July! This iconic Summer event has raised over £230k for Les Bourgs Hospice and kick started or rekindled a love of sea swimming for lots of islanders.
The concept has been shared to help raise funds for Jersey Hospice Care & the Jersey National Trust and a smaller version of the event was launched last Summer in Alderney to raise funds for Alderney Cancer Relief and The Alderney Wildlife Trust. It has also inspired a Winter edition of event, the festively themed “12 Bays of Christmas”.
To help celebrate this milestone any participants who register for 30 bays in 30 days (or the smaller family friendly edition of 9 bays in 30 days) before midnight on 25th June 2023 will be entered into a prize draw to win one of ten prizes. These include an overnight stay at the iconic Fermain Tower which has been kindly donated by The National Trust of Guernsey, plus vouchers for restaurants, beach kiosks and Herm Trident tickets, all of which have been kindly supported by Rocq Capital, Suntera, Sovereign Group, Randalls and Yakwax.
The event will launch on 1st July with a group swim followed by live music and food at Vistas beach café at Vazaon.
All participants need to do is swim a minimum of 30 strokes in 30 bays on the event list between 1st-30th July (or if needed into August) although extra swims at the same bays can be swapped for bays that are not accessible for an individual. It is a great way to explore the island, set aside time to slow down and make the most of Guernsey’s enviable coastline.
July can be a popular month for holidays or with busy lives people may think that they do not have the time to do it all but there is still the chance to get involved by doubling up on swims in one day, extending the challenge into August or signing up for the smaller version of the event, 9baysin30days. This is tailored for those with young families or with mobility issues as it takes swimmers to the easier to access beaches which also have a kiosk, toilets and parking. Another tip is to have towels and swimmers stashed in bike panniers or car so that a quick dip can be ticked off when least expected and the organisers guarantee you will feel better for having been in the sea.
Founder of the event, Liz Stonebridge says “this event is very special to me as it was set up in memory of my mum and another close family member who were cared for at Les Bourgs Hospice but also led to me getting my dream job working there. It has been amazing to see the increase in popularity in sea swimming over the years as I think it so important that we make the most of our stunning little island and the diversity of swim spots and swimming experiences that it provides.
I swim regularly so for me 30 bays in 30 days is not about getting in the water but the time spent with family and friends and the unique memories that the challenge brings. Whether people have supported it before or have been thinking about doing it but never signed up, this should be the year to get involved to help us not only celebrate the event’s 10th birthday but also raise important funds for the Hospice which is at the heart of our Community.”
With July fast approaching now is the time to get signed up at www.30bays.org. It is £15 for adults, £5 for children or £35 for a family entry. There is also a team entry of 5 people taking part so the list of bays can be shared out. It is hoped that businesses will encourage their staff to take part in this option in support of their employee wellbeing strategies. Registrations can also be made at the group swim at 6.30pm on Saturday 1st July 2023 and any time throughout the month.
The continued valued support of key sponsor Rocq Capital has meant swimmers will again receive a map to tick off their bays which has been illustrated by the talented Caroline Cummins of Little Paper Gallery which will be very kindly delivered by Guernsey Post.
For more information about the event including how to register (£15 for adults, £5 for U18s) can be found at www.30bays.org. For any queries please email 30baysin30days@gmail.com or ring Liz Stonebridge on 07781 122914.
