Castle Swim goes ahead with route change

Sunday 21 July 2019

The charity Castle Swim is set to return this summer but with a difference.

Maintenance work being carried out on the Castle Cornet slipway means swimmers will complete a new route - from the Slaughterhouse slipway to the Horseshoe Pool at La Vallette.

The popular fundraiser will take place on Sunday 28 July in aid of the Guernsey RNLI and the Guernsey Alzheimer's Association.

All swimmers over the age of 11 are invited to take part in the open-water swim with a minimum entrance fee of £3, which will go towards the two charities.

"We should have a lot of interest in it with two charities to support," said Kevin Penney from the Guernsey Swimming Club. "Generally, we get around 300-350 people but we're always hoping for more.

"It's open to all abilities so anyone can take part. We'll have loads of kayaks out in the water as well so we're pretty safety conscious."

Pictured: Matthew Gilligan and Kevin Penney.

The oldest swimmer to complete the course will be presented with the Bill Green Memorial Trophy, which has been handed out every year since 1996.

"We're really looking forward to it," said Matthew Gilligan from Louvre Trust, which sponsors the event. "It's great fun and it's a good entry level. It takes the average swimmer 25 minutes and it's open to all age groups. It's a great community event and Louvre has been sponsoring it for years now."

Participants will set off in groups at timed intervals, with the first group of 50 swimmers setting off at 15:00.

"The annual Castle Swim is a Guernsey institution and we are so pleased that, despite the castle slipway maintenance, we have found a solution which means the swim can still go ahead," added Club Director Jo Norman. "I would encourage all swimmers to take part regardless of their ability. It is not a race and everyone can swim at their own pace."

Swimmers can register at the Slaughterhouse slipway from 14:30 on the day. Those wishing to take part are advised to download the event's Disclaimer Form on the Guernsey Swimming Club website and fill it out in advance.

Pictured top: Matthew Gilligan and Kevin Penney.