A NEW bucket list open water swimming event will see 125 swimmers take an early morning dip in Southampton Water next month.

The Rose Road Association has launched its inaugural Southampton International Boat Show Swim.

Swimmers will access the water from the Southampton International Boat Show pontoons on Sunday, September 18 and swim 1.25km in the iconic city docks, past tall ships and super yachts.

READ MORE: All aboard for Southampton Boat Show 2022

All proceeds from the event will go to the Southampton charity, which provides direct care services for over 340 children and young adults with severe physical disabilities, profound and multiple learning difficulties and complex health needs from across Hampshire and the surrounding counties.

Chloe Atkins, head of fundraising at the charity, told the Daily Echo: “Participation in outdoor swimming in the UK is reported to have increased by between 1.5 and three times since 2019 so we felt now was the time to launch this event.

"So many people describe being in open water as a liberating experience and we liken this to the freedom’s hydrotherapy gives to the children and young people we support here at Rose Road.

"The event will help us to raise awareness of the charity and raise vital funds for activities such as hydrotherapy, overnight respite care and school holiday clubs for disabled people. We are incredibly grateful to the British Marine for allowing us to stage this event, and to Rees Leisure our event partner."

Daily Echo:

The Southampton International Boat Show Swim will be an experience for swimmers looking to take on their first open water swim or gain a new personal best.

For all swimmers, it will be a unique experience in a body of water normally inaccessible due to boat movements.

All participants will gain entry to the boat show before it opens to the public and will be able to enjoy all it has to offer after their swim.

Visit roseroad.org.uk/events/southampton_boat_show_swim to take part, sponsor a swimmer or find out more.

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