WATCH: Swimmers give hospice great support with 30Bays record
ENDING on a high in a record-breaking year, hundreds of 30BaysIn30Days swimmers turned up for the final group swim at Cobo in glorious weather.
The event was nearly lost to Covid-19, but the island’s current virus free status meant it could go ahead.
After a brief speech and countdown, swimmers ran into the water to cool off and celebrate raising money for Les Bourgs Hospice.
‘There’s a lovely community feel – it’s really amazing,’ said Les Bourgs Hospice fundraising administrator Liz Stonebridge.
‘With the Boxing Day dip everybody rushes in and back out again, but for this one people stay in the water enjoying themselves. There’s a real buzz of conversation.’
More 1,500 people registered to participate this year, breaking last year’s record of roughly 800.
‘It’s difficult to know how many people are here, as many got down early knowing how busy it would be. But it’s a great turnout – a massive thank you to our sponsors Rocq Capital.’
Donations kept coming in with volunteers manning the buckets.
One benefactor donated £400 on the day.
Families took the opportunity to take to the water together, including mother and son Jan and Ben Roberts.
‘My top tip is to plan, you have to catch certain bays on certain tides and days,’ said Mrs Roberts.
‘It’s been really amazing, and such a good project to take part in.’
‘After 30 days of swims it’s not cold in there at all, it’s absolute bliss,’ said Mr Roberts, ‘30Bays is really good for meeting people too.’
Lifeguard Josh Bell, from Guernsey Surf School, said: ‘I always help with the first and last swims, and make sure everybody is doing well and having a good time.’
Jason Le Prevost said: ‘We’ve done 34 bays, including Herm ones. Divette Bay, by Marble Bay, was really good.
‘I’d never heard of Crocq Bay before this, or another one up by Perelle and Richmond. It’s really good to do. I would definitely do it again.’
Rocq Capital has been sponsoring the event for four years.
Managing director Stuart Perfitt said the sign-up target of 1,000 people had been smashed.
Participants were thanked for raising money to support the work Les Bourgs Hospice provides.
‘It has been a tough year for all charities but events such as this show how much the community cares.’
