Level Water is a charity which gives children with disabilities the opportunity to learn to swim https://www.levelwater.org/ They organise swims throughout the UK including the Dart 10k as part of their fundraising efforts. I’ve got my eye on the 2027 Hurly Burly😀. I headed down to Devon this year to participate in the Bantham Swoosh on Saturday and the Bantham Boomerang the following day having secured one charity ticket and one general entry ticket. Tickets sell out online within about 5 minutes and entries for 2027 have now largely been sold (there may still be charity tickets available).

The event itself lives up to its promise particularly the natural setting and surroundings. The Swoosh is a start to finish swim which is just over 5k, but the friendly tide gently pushes swimmers downstream until reaching the swoosh section which then sends you quickly to the finish. Upon reaching the swoosh, continuing in a head downwards front crawl seems a bit silly and many swimmers lie on their back laughing and relaxing. Conditions were perfect on the day, making it one of the most enjoyable and perhaps easiest 5k swims going. The image below shows the upper part of the marsh before the tide has risen.

The following day’s Boomerang is cleverly devised as it offers a swimmers a distance which they largely control. Those wanting a longer swim can race out with the first wave as far up river as they can before the tide turns. Others wanting a more leisurely swim can go in a second or third wave and gradually make their way upwards until the tide turns resulting in a shorter distance. The rub of the wetsuit on my neck in the Swoosh, despite precaution, meant that I held back a bit and didn’t go for a super long swim in the Boomerang. While I still ended up swimming a bit farther than the previous day, it felt chilled and I made a point to take in my surroundings with greater appreciation.

The event was superbly organised, with outstanding support and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere throughout. The knowledge that the swim supports such a worthwhile cause made the experience even more meaningful. The image below shows the beach at Bantham which is just over the dunes from the mouth of the estuary. This event is highly recommended and kudos to Level Water for all the work that they do.