24hr Wild Swim Relay: Watersedge
On 28/29 September we brought our 24hr Wild Swim Relay to Watersedge for the very first time. Run by sisters, Emily and Sophie, Watersedge is a lake and wellness centre in an idyllic location near Worcester. Boasting a large warming tent it was the perfect location for this late-season cold water challenge.
300 swimmers came, camped, swam, laughed, toasted marshmallows over the fire-pit and raised an astonishing £90,000+ for Level Water swimming lessons. Every swimmer we spoke to understood how vital swimming lessons are to the children that we support. United in the belief that everyone has the right to learn to swim and fall in love with the water.
The start and finish laps were celebrated with colourful flares. So many teammates and supporters stayed by the lake to cheer on their friends. Even during the night, spirits were high as swimmers enjoyed the lights twinkling around the lake, slowing down to take time to gaze at the stars. Sunrise lit the sky on fire - red, orange, yellow and purple.
2 solo swimmers swam for 24hrs. Rachel staying in the water and Emily popping out to refuel each hour. An incredible effort!
A special visitor, Level Water swim teacher Karen came to visit and told us about the children she teaches in South Birmingham. On arrival she said she could never swim in a lake and then returned on Sunday with her swimsuit to complete multiple laps of the lake. Her very first wild swimming experience!
The support we received from the volunteers was incredible as they counted swimmers in and out of the lake and topped up the hot water urns through the early hours. We even had a regular volunteer pop by on Sunday to help us load all our kit back into the van.
We couldn’t have asked for a better place and more wonderful people to share our last event of the season with. For most it was their very first 24hr relay. The efforts that went into swimming, fundraising and community left us utterly speechless. We can’t wait for next year.
To everyone who put their heart into September’s last big swim. Thank you all so much.
