A 1500-metre swim and a five kilometre run proved a breeze for Ceredigion’s Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeguards in their fundraising efforts for the charity that saves lives at sea.
After a full day’s work on the beaches, lifeguards assembled in Tresaith to start their fundraising aquathlon, which consisted of a 1500-metre swim from Tresaith to Aberporth beach, followed by a five-kilometre return run along the coastal path.
More than 20 lifeguards – out of total of 34 RNLI lifeguards in the county – took part in the aquathlon on Sunday 8 August.
Those taking part included area supervisors Elin Jones and Dylan Jones and the first three in the men’s section were Ian Chattun, Sion Jones and Tommy Turner.
The first three in the women’s section were Catrin Lewis, Kylie Jones and Cass Brown.
Ceredigion area lifeguard supervisor Dylan Jones said of the event: ‘The aquathlon was a great success. ‘We raised cash through buckets on the beaches we patrol – one bucket had more than £50 – and we are really grateful to the public who were supporting us from the cliff path on the evening.
‘We try to do something every year to raise funds for the RNLI. Last year we did a 12-hour sponsored board paddle, which was successful, and we always try to do something, which demonstrates our training and the work we do on a daily basis.
‘The aquathlon proved a very effective fundraiser, which also brought out a healthy competition among the lifeguards. We are looking to run it again next year and perhaps get lifeguards from Pembrokeshire and Swansea involved.’
