Still time to take the plunge!

Saturday 27 June 2020

30 Bays in 30 Days is back this year, encouraging Guernsey residents to use their 'staycation' time to explore some of the island's lesser-known beaches.

The annual event, which raises money for Les Bourgs Hospice, will get underway on 1 July and will run for the rest of the month.

Although it was thought, at first, that this year's fundraiser would have to miss out the bays that are accessed by cliff paths because of social distancing measures, the island's speedy progression through to Phase Five means Moulin Huet, Petit Port, La Jaonnet and Marble Bay have been added back onto the list.

However, for safety reasons, there still won't be a group swim to start and close the event this time.

Pictured: Les Amarreurs - one of the beaches on the 30 Bays list.

"Lockdown in an island as beautiful as Guernsey has really highlighted how lucky we are to have so many beaches on our doorstep," said Founder of the 30 Bays in 30 Days event, Liz Stonebridge. "The event has always celebrated that fact, so this year we hope there will be more islanders getting involved who would normally be away.

"It is great to discover parts of the island you wouldn't normally visit and a chance to enjoy the huge benefits of sea swimming."

The increasingly popular smaller event, 9 Bays in 30 Days, is also being held this year for young families or people with limited time. It takes swimmers to easily accessible beaches with a kiosk and toilets.

In addition, there is also a beach clean version of the event this year, to support Plastic Free Guernsey and its fight to reduce plastic pollution in the island.

Pictured: Traditionally, the 30th swim takes place at Cobo Bay.

Thanks to the continued support from key sponsors, Rocq Capital, 30 Bays in 30 Days has been able to add a new feature this year. Each swimmer will be posted an information pack, including a map of all the beaches illustrated by Caroline Cummins of Little Paper Gallery.

Although the organising team had asked that swimmers sign up before 25 June, there is still time to join the 900 people who have signed up so far and attempt to hit the event's goal of 1,000 swimmers this year.

Registration costs £15 for adults and £5 for young people under the age of 18.

Further information on the event and how to get involved can be found HERE.

Pictured top: Marble Bay, which is included on the 30 Bays list.