A new fundraising event for the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) has sold out within three days of opening!

The Wild Wye Swim, which is planned for September, will bring swimmers from across the area to Symonds Yat, to raise money for the local search and rescue organisation. This is the first year of the event. Entries opened on Wednesday morning, and the event had filled up completely by Friday evening.

Up to 75 swimmers will swim down the Wye from Kerne Bridge, near Ross-on-Wye, to Huntsham Bridge, near Symonds Yat, a distance of around 12km, with a further 75 individuals swimming to complete the shorter 7km distance, from Lower Lydbrook to Huntsham Bridge.

The swim course includes the spectacular long bend in the river below the Yat Rock viewpoint. SARA crew members and safety boats, from across the different SARA Rescue Stations, will keep everyone safe.

SARA Deputy Chairman Mark Carwardine told the Ross Gazette: “We are absolutely delighted with the response. We hope that this will become an annual event, bring visitors to the area as well as generating funds and publicity for SARA. It is a great opportunity for people to enjoy the beautiful Wye Valley, and for SARA to utilize our skilled volunteers and specialist safety equipment.

“We are very grateful to a number of landowners in the area for making this event possible. We are also looking for sponsors for the event, and would love to hear from any organisations that are interested in becoming involved. Details of the event and how to contact us are available on www.wildwyeswim.org.uk”

SARA is entirely manned by volunteers who are on standby 24/7/365, and is recruiting now! SARA is not directly funded by any central or local Government agencies and depends completely on donations to fund its operations. To donate to SARA, you can visit the Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/sara-rescue/donate