WaterAid invites you to participate in 12 Weeks of Swimming for Charity

It’s time to put on your swimsuit and join 12 weeks of swimming.

WaterAid’s signature swimming event, the Swim Marathon, kicks off today and is open to all.

All swimmers, regardless of experience level, must swim 13 or 26 miles (also known as a half marathon or full marathon) over 12 weeks and must all raise money for charity.

People can join the local pools or swim in the safe open water areas. So when and how to participate is entirely up to the swimmer.

In the last two years, 550 swimmers have participated in the challenge. Many say that it is good for mental health and also for charity.

Former participant Rach O’Sullivan was an open water swimmer.

she said: [and] Two years ago, I started swimming in the ocean to help. I did not have panic attacks several times a week.

“Swimming has been my lifeline. I have decided to do something positive to focus on in the coming months.”

During the challenge, he was more of a dipper than a swimmer, but in nine weeks he swam a total of 26 miles and gained hundreds of pounds.

For those who don’t know where to start, WaterAid offers a 12-week plan to help build speed, stamina and confidence.

Jenny York, Director of Communications and Fundraising at WaterAid, said:

However, 771 million people (1 in 10) in the world still do not have access to clean water near their homes, and millions of people spend hours each day carrying and drinking dirty water and are forced to risk their health by drinking.

“By participating in the Marathon Swim, people are giving water to communities around the world.”

See here for more details.

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