On the early evening tide of Sunday 14 July 2019 some 370 swimmers will set off on the Padstow to Rock Swim in aid of cancer charity, Marie Curie. With bright coloured swim caps and an escort of safety boats, the swimmers will swim the mile from the Sea Cadet Slipway in Padstow to Rock beach, along a route marked with buoys.
The Padstow to Rock swim is a well-established annual event organised by an enthusiastic local fundraising team. In 2017 the event raised an astonishing £72,000 to help Marie Curie nurses to support and care for more of those terminally ill with cancer and their families.
So many swimmers, from as young as 10 years old, want to participate in the open water swim that the entry has to be by ballot. First to take the plunge into the Camel estuary are the elite group, who have a time limit of 30 minutes to complete the swim. Next up are the non-elite swimmers, who have an hour.
The Padstow to Rock swim is a social event too. Many spectators are there to cheer on the swimmers and on arrival at Rock there’s pasty’s and refreshments for everyone. The swimmers also walk away with the coveted Padstow to Rock swim finishers T-shirt. Last year I believe there was music as well.
The swim is sponsored by Sharpe’s Brewery, Rick Steins Seafood Restaurant and Mariners Lettings and is supported by many local people and organisations, including the RNLI.
To find out more about participating in the Padstow to Rock swim or cheering the swimmers on go to Marie Curie or the Padstow to Rock swim website.
