Lyme Splash founder to hand over event to local charity

Lyme Splash, a not-for-profit organisation hosts a challenge which sees swimmers make their way from Lyme Regis to Charmouth – a total of 3.15km – with up to 200 people from all over the country usually taking part.

A popular event that started in 2015 and supports good causes, this year will be the last event organised by Lyme Splash, with founder Karen Durham-Diggins handing the ‘legacy’ of the event over to a soon-to-be announced charity with a “great local presence.”

Ahead of her seventh and last event- which will take place on Sunday, September 14 – Karen said: “When I started Lyme Splash in 2015 I never realised it would last so long.

“It’s been hard work culminating in such a joy seeing everyone – both swimmers, volunteers and local businesses- come together to celebrate the sea, achieve personal goals and have a wonderful collective time.

“I’m delighted to be handing this legacy over to, a soon to be announced charity.”

To celebrate this year’s swim, a pod of ‘mermaids’ will be taking part from the Manta Ray’s Mermaids group in the Wimborne, Bournemouth and Poole area.

At the end of the swim, those participating will receive a hot chocolate, biscuits, a badge – and an exciting return to Lyme Regis on a rib ride.

There are still a few places left for the next splash. Organisers say that swimmers need to be able to deal with chop and distanced. The swim is buoyed and accompanied by local kayakers and safety boats. To reserve your spot, go to https://www.lyme-splash.com/product/swim-registration/

Last year’s event was cancelled due to a sewage spill on the day of the event.

Any profits go to the charities Ghost Fishing UK which recover fishing nets from wrecks and the seabed, Lyme Regis Powder Monkeys, B Sharp, River Action, Surfers Against Sewage and Plastic Free Lyme Regis. 

The organisation also hosts the Lyme Splash Water Polo Championship which sees 18 ASA Swim England teams take part in a weekend of activities on August 9 and 10. It’s the sixth time the event has been held. Spectators are invited to watch and cheer.

This year, the Bridport Barracudas will be running the event for the first time. 

Karen added: “This is the largest, and friendliest, water polo sea championship in the UK, allowing teams an opportunity to play in the sea as the sport originally started.

“Bridport Barracudas have been instrumental in enabling this championship to grow and this year for the first time will be running the whole event, with ex-players and volunteers stepping in to enable a smooth and exciting event.”

More information can be found on www.lyme-splash.com.