Swim All Seasons group in first anniversary dip
GUERNSEY Swim All Seasons celebrated its first anniversary on Saturday with a dip at Pembroke followed by lunch at Les Cotils.
The group was founded by Min Henry on social media in November 2020, with an invitation to join her for a swim which led to an inaugural party of 12.
The group now has 2,600 members, many of whom buddy-up in smaller groups on a daily basis.
The celebration was originally planned for November 2021 but was delayed due to Covid concerns.
About 70 members braved the low-tide swim, which was measured by various swimmers at between 10.1 and 11.2C. Speaking at the lunch, Mrs Henry reflected on an eventful year and picked out a mass rendition of the Jerusalema dance at Grandes Rocques as her highlight.
Fellow committee member Gary Tapp thanked her for founding the group and for her work in encouraging all islanders to participate in swimming – for which she was recognised last year with the Pride of Guernsey Diversity and Inclusion Award.
Although the group was not originally envisaged as a charity, various fundraising events such as beachside cake sales and the selling of GSAS-branded swimming merchandise had resulted in £7,000 being raised in its first year, Mr Tapp said.
Most of that money had been donated to Guernsey Mind, with members viewing the charity as a natural fit, aligning with the mental wellbeing benefits associated with cold-water swimming.
However, with fundraising opportunities hampered during Covid lockdowns and times of restrictions, the group had identified a need to support a larger number of smaller charities.
Consequently, a different charity will be supported every quarter and the charity to benefit during the first quarter of 2022 will be Guernsey Disability Swimming, which helps people of all ages, with a wide range of disabilities, to enjoy the Beau Sejour pool in a protective and secure environment.
A post-lunch raffle raised £265 for the charity.
