People from across the East Midlands are being encouraged to dig out their outdoor swimming gear to take part in a new event. The first ever Epilepsy Action Rutland Water Swim has been launched today. It will be the first time that people have had the chance to take part in a sponsored swim in the UK’s largest reservoir.
The UK’s leading epilepsy charity, Epilepsy Action, is working with Anglian Water and Inspire2tri to give swimmers the opportunity to take the plunge at this scenic location. The event will take place at 8:30am on Sunday 9 September in the Whitwell Bay to help raise vital funds to improve the lives of the 600,000 people with epilepsy in the UK.
Swimmers will be able to choose a distance that suits their level of experience and stamina, with options to swim 500m, 1,000m or 1,500m. The event is ideal for people who enjoy open water swimming or those who are looking to try something new.
Rutland Water is set in 4,200 acres of open countryside and has facilities for many water sports, as well as being a haven for a huge variety of wildlife, including ospreys, which nest there every year.
Joanna Burrows, community fundraiser for Epilepsy Action, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer this brand new experience to swimmers. It will be the first time the public has ever been able to take a dip in Rutland Water. Until now it is something that has been reserved for specialised athletic events such as triathlons.
“We have space for around 300 swimmers and we want this event to make a real splash! We would love it to be so successful that it becomes an annual event for Epilepsy Action. We’d like to thank Anglian Water and Inspire2tri for making this event possible.”
Sally Ball, water sports team leader at Anglian Water, said: “We’re really excited about this event and welcoming lots of new visitors to Rutland Water to take part in something brand new for outdoor swimmers. It’s great to be supporting the fantastic work that Epilepsy Action does to improve the lives of people with epilepsy.
“Everyone is welcome to come along and cheer on those taking the plunge for charity. Rutland Water is such a beautiful location that we’re sure many visitors will stay for the day and enjoy a family day out against the backdrop of some truly stunning scenery.”
The event takes place at 8.30am on Sunday 9 September at Rutland Water. To sign up to swim or find out more contact Joanna Burrows on 0116 243 0569 or visit www.epilepsy.org.uk/rutlandswim