South Lakeland councillor Chris Hogg has congratulated organisers of the Great North Swim following the success of last weekend’s event on Windermere.
Thousands of swimmers completed a range of challenges – from the beginner 250m wave to the gruelling 10k marathon swim – in Europe’s biggest open-water swimming event, which is now in its 11th year.
Estimates suggest 30,000 swimmers and spectators visited the swim’s new site location of Brockhole on Windermere during the three day event.
Councillor Hogg, who is South Lakeland District Council (SLDC)’s culture and leisure portfolio holder, commented: “I’d like to congratulate the Great Swim organisers and the Lake District National Park Authority on a hugely successful event.
“The event not only enables people to enjoy Windermere, but many of those taking part in challenges do so to raise money for charity.”
This year the Great North Swim’s official charity partner was Macmillan Cancer Support and 500 swimmers raised over £150,000 for the organisation.
SLDC owns the lake-bed at Windermere, provides public slipways and manages swinging moorings.
Councillor Hogg continued: “This council has a long history of support for safe open-water swimming and works with Swim Safe to provide free safety training for children aged 7 to 14 on Windermere.
“These sessions provide children with vital and practical safety advice about open-water swimming in one of South Lakeland’s most stunning natural assets, the lake at Windermere.”
Swim Safe sessions on Windermere take place on certain days between 24 July and 4 August.
For more information and to book a free session, visit www.swimsafe.org.uk.
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