Sea-ze the summer with charity swimming challenge

Saturday 29 June 2024

The annual '30 Bays in 30 Days' challenge is set to make a splash this weekend, with the opening swim taking place on Sunday at Grève dé Lecq.

The challenge launched in 2016 and has become an annual tradition in which islanders of all ages are asked to swim a minimum of 30 strokes in 30 different bays.

Money raised from the challenge will go to the National Trust for Jersey, which protects local land and historic buildings, and Jersey Hospice Care, which offers specialist palliative care to all islanders with life-limiting illnesses.

Pictured: Participants at last year's 30 Bays in 30 Days opening swim.

Cheri Strudwick, Director of Income Generation and Marketing at Jersey Hospice, said: "30 Bays in 30 Days has become a staple in the Jersey events calendar but despite the increase in popularity of sea swimming we have seen the numbers of people taking part dwindle in recent years.

"The funds raised from events like this are vital to keep our service running for all islanders with a life-limiting condition so, this year, we're urging islanders to register to support us and have some fun along the way."

Donna Le Marrec, Marketing and Events Manager for the National Trust, added: "This challenge is all about getting out, having fun and exploring our beautiful coastline and there's no better way to appreciate it than from the sea."

The joint organisers said swimmers have flexibility in how they complete the challenge. They can visit 30 different bays or swim 30 times in their favourite location.

The event officially runs from June 30 to July 31, but swimmers can extend into August if needed.

This year's opening swim will take place this Saturday at 11:30 at Grève dé Lecq, and the closing swim will be on Wednesday 31 July at 17:30 at the same location.

Picutred: First event of National Trust Jersey's 30 Bays in 30 Days swim event at St Brelade's Bay. (Rob Currie)

Public Health has confirmed that water quality at Grève de Lecq has returned to an "excellent" rating after concerns were raised in May about E.coli levels in the seawater.

The registration fee is £15 for adults and £7.50 for children. 

You can find out more information about the challenge HERE.