30baysin30days back with a splash (and distancing)

Similar walking and cycling events were cancelled due to the pandemic, but 30bays is to continue.

This year, group swims cannot be hosted and social distancing must be practised to ensure safety.

30bays founder and Les Bourgs fundraising administrator Liz Stonebridge said swimming 30 strokes in 30 different bays is the perfect staycation challenge.

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

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

Four cliff-access bays were removed from the list to avoid risk while on cliff paths in close quarters.

Participants are encouraged to include three optional Herm bays and one duplicate swim to total 30. Alternatively they can perform four duplicate Guernsey swims at their favourite bays.

Ideally, this will be done during a different tide or time of day to offer something new.

Continued support from the main 30bays sponsor, Rocq Capital, enabled a new feature this year.

Swimmers will be posted an information pack a week before the event, including a map illustrated by Caroline Cummins of Little Paper Gallery.

Rocq Capital managing director Stuart Perfitt said: ‘Rocq Capital is proud to support a number of community initiatives in the island, 30baysin30days being one of them. With people staying in Guernsey this summer this could be a record year for the event. So, we are hoping to get over 1,000 people signed up and getting involved.’

For those with young families or limited time, the 9baysin30days option is available.

9bays includes a free map and sticker pack upon registration, covering more accessible beaches with a kiosk and toilets.

To reduce on-island plastic pollution a Beach Clean option is available to support Plastic Free Guernsey.

Les Bourgs offers in-patient, respite and day care for Bailiwick residents free of charge.

Reliant entirely on public support, this year’s fundraiser is more important than ever after the pandemic to secure income and continue care.

Registration fees amount to a £15 donation for adults and £5 for under 18s.

n Visit 30bays.org for more information or to register.

n Email 30baysin30days@gmail.com or call Liz on 07781 122914 for further queries.