I WAS one of the swimmers to enjoy a bucket list swim around Southampton Docks , which raised more than £5,000 for the brilliant Rose Road Association, at the weekend.
Around 80 of us took part in Southampton International Boat Show's inaugural open water swimming event, involving a 1.25km lap past tall ships, sailing yachts and motor cruisers.
As a regular swimmer, this was not a challenging distance for me, but the thought of having a dip somewhere that is normally closed to swimmers and with cruise ships looming over me was just too good an opportunity to turn down.
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On a sunny morning, we gathered for a safety briefing before heading to the pontoon where we would enter the water, which measured a balmy 18.5 degrees, much warmer than the air temperature at 9am in September.
We set off, some in wetsuits, some in skins, some putting their head down to storm to the front of the pack with their fastest front crawl, others taking it all in with some head-up breaststroke.
The water was perfectly calm with the only waves from fellow swimmers as we set off, until a brief visit from the Isle of Wight Ferry to nearby Town Quay shortly after we got underway.
The visibility was short, but the water was clean and there were plenty of fish to see.
There was a little current, thankfully in the right direction, and it was great to pass the amazing tall ship Morgenster.
The swim went by in a flash and was a brilliant experience with a relaxed atmosphere.
Climbing out of the steps, each participant was presented with a medal and a goody bag. We could also spend the rest of the day at the show and take a super boat trip with the Wetwheels Foundation, which helps disabled people access the sea.
The event, organised by Rees Leisure, will return bigger and better next year.
The Rose Road Association provides care services for over 300 young people with physical disabilities, learning difficulties, and autism.
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