Rose Road Association Charity Swim returns to the Southampton International Boat Show

Following the hugely successful inaugural event in 2022 we are delighted to see the return of the Rose Road Association mass swim event at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show (Sunday 17 September).

The event offers a rare opportunity to swim around one of the busiest ports in the UK past tall ships and super yachts.  The unique swim is already attracting swimmers locally and from further afield and this year we are delighted that Commonwealth swimmer Chloe Golding and Midmar Mile silver medallist, Ashley Hogg will be joining us to open the event. It promises to once again be quite a spectacle.

“We are so grateful to be able to run the event again this year, working with our event partners ReesLeisure and the boat show team”, commented Chloe Atkins, Head of Fundraising, Rose Road Association. 

“By taking the plunge in Southampton waters, participants will be helping raise funds to support disabled children and young people with complex needs to take part in the world around them and to experience the special qualities water has to offer.

“We would also like to thank our friends at Mere Plantations who have supported the event from its inception (look out for the unique and sustainably sourced wooden medals), and this year we are excited to offer a fantastic selection of draw prizes donated from the generous team at Dryrobe”, Chloe added.

Abi Knapton, Events Manager for ReesLeisure added: “ReesLeisure are excited to be working with The Rose Road Association for a second year to organise the Boat Show Swim. This is truly a bucket list experience in an area where no one can usually swim in. Get involved to support an incredible local charity and cause!”

Event details

Whether you want to take on your first open water swim or challenge your personal best the Rose Road Association mass swim event is open to beginners and professionals alike! Access the water from the Southampton International Boat Show pontoons and swim 1km in the iconic Southampton docks.

Location: Harbour Parade, Southampton, SO15 1ST

Date: Sunday 17 September 2023

Time: 7.30am arrival, first swim wave 9am

Registration: £45 plus an optional donation of your choice

All swimmers will be given a free pass to the show, allowing them early entry for the event and the opportunity to enjoy all the show has to offer after the event, plus medal, swim cap and entry to a prize draw.

Plus, Reese Leisure will be on hand to provide expert advice and top tips from their expert open water swimming coach.

There are still a few places left so for more information and details on how to register visit https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/charity-swim/

Raising money for the Rose Road Association

Adding a donation on to your swim registration makes a big splash at Rose Road!

• £5 could buy food ingredients and help a young person learn to cook their favourite meal.
• £15 could take a young person to the zoo for a day.
• £25 could provide an hour's emergency outreach support.
• £75 could provide almost 4 hours of extended respite for a family in need of additional help.

If you get sponsorship for your swim, with just 10 pence for every metre you swim you could raise £100 which could help fund a hydrotherapy pool session, giving young disabled people the opportunity to share your love of the water.

However much you choose to donate, you will help a disabled young person to be part of a community where they thrive, feel a sense of belonging and achieve their aspirations! Thank you for your support.

To find out more about the work of Rose Road visit www.roseroad.org.uk

About the show

The Southampton International Boat Show is the biggest UK marine festival and one of Europe’s largest on-water events. Attracting thousands of visitors each year, the show boasts some 600+ exhibitors, hundreds of boats, plus an array of attractions and exclusive show features. 

From tall ships to dinghies, paddleboards to fliteboards, kayaks to catamarans, SUPs to superyachts there’s a boat for everyone at the Southampton International Boat Show which runs over 10 days from 15-24 September, and with your Quayside Club VIP ticket you will bring a luxury to your visit, for a totally unique boat show experience.

Get your ticket

Tickets for the Boat Show can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/

Upgrade your visit and check out our exclusive VIP packages – https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip/

The show is open from 10am – 6pm daily except the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm.