Blackpool's pier to pier swim is back to make a splash

The go-ahead has been given for the annual open water swim from North Pier to South Pier after last year’s event had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus

restrictions.

And organiser Julie Bradshaw said with many of those due to swim last year having carried over their booking to 2021 and an increasing interest in open water swimming as leisure centre pools have been forced to close, a bumper turnout is expected on Saturday, September 4.

The event will have sections for swimmers with wet suits and hardy souls who want to experience the full cold water effect in just their cozzies.

Blackpool-born Julie, who is best known for her cross Channel swims, brought the swim back in 2018.

The intrepid swimmers will meet at the Sandcastle, take a tram up to North Pier then swim back for a celebratory reception near the Sandcastle again.Juli

e’s company, Get Set 4 Success, is teaming up with Love My Beach to raise awareness of environmental issues this year.

Julie said: “Everyone is very excited and Blackpool Council has again agreed for it to go ahead, so it’s the only official swim between the piers.

I have had many messages from swimmers who have been so keen to get their entries in, lots of people have been signing up, including those carried over from last year due to the postponement.

“We will follow Government guidelines and work with all partners concerned to ensure the event is safe.

“There is definitely more people doing open water swimming now. It is more widely known and I think as well due to the fact swimming pools have been closed in the pandemic, swimmers have taken to the open water when possible.”

The swim will take place on Saturday, September 4, or the following day if the weather is bad.

It is a 1.6 mile distance and swimmers must tow orange safety floats.

Visit www.getset4success.co.uk/coaching-services/events/blackpool-pier-swim/

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