Join thousands of sea swimmers braving the English Channel for the annual Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim, held every July, come rain or shine. This popular occasion, in support of the British Heart Foundation, dares swimmers and paddlers alike to cross the 1.4 miles of open water between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers.
Whether you’ve got a family history of heart disease or you’re just up for a completely different challenge, this is a daring and inspirational feat. Make sure you top up your entry fee (£25 adults, £10 under 16s) by gathering sponsorship from those offering to hold your towel or get the drinks in at the finish line!
You must be 14 years or older to take part in the swim, which runs parallel to the shore as you make your way along to the iconic Boscombe Pier, built in 1889 and recently restored to grandeur. Participants get a branded swim hat, chip and wristband to wear during the challenge, with the chip giving them an official recorded swim time. Swimmers also receive training guidance and medical support, luggage transport from start to finish, a medal and much needed hot drink and bottle of water at the finish. Lifeguards are in the sea for the duration of the event and full first aid cover is provided by St. John’s Ambulance.
There were two swims at the 2017 event – the yellow hat swim starts at 10am and the blue hat swim at 12pm. Registration was from 8am and the whole event was wrapped up by 2pm.
So whether you’re pushing for a PB or this is your first proper sea endurance challenge for a cause much too close to home, the achievement of completing next year’s Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim will make you swell with pride.
