AN open water festival to promote safe swimming will receive a visit from the Mayor of Evesham who says she is committed to the cause.

The Mayor is scheduled to attend Royal Life Saving Society UK Open Water Festival at Lenches Lake, Evesham.

The festival takes place on Sunday, June 26. Tickets range in price from £10-£30. 

Lee Heard, charity director at RLSS UK, said: “The Open Water Festival will consist of a variety of swims suitable for all ages and abilities. The swims will take place one after the other, and are a great way to get all of the family involved in open water swimming.

“We have seen open water swimming increase in popularity over recent years and events such as ours allow swimming to happen in a fun but safe environment.

“We would like to encourage anyone to attend the event who is interested in open water swimming and would like to find out more, as well as the seasoned pros.”

Events consist of 1,600, 800 or 400 metre swims for those aged 16 and over, as well a 200 metre swim for those aged 10 and over, and a Rookie Splash for those under 10 years of age who are accompanied by an adult in the water.

Mayor of Evesham, Sue Amor, will be attending the event.

She said: “The Open Water Festival is an important event that highlights chances to use the open water in Evesham safely.

“We have a lot of open water in Evesham so it is wonderful to see the festival here showing people how to use the waterways safely. My children were both members of RLSS UK in the 1980s and I was on the committee of the local group at that time. They both enjoyed learning skills to keep themselves safe and to enable them to help people who got into difficulty.

“RLSS UK is a wonderful charity that enables our waterways to be used safely.”

Those taking part in the festival will be able to enjoy prizes awarded to first place winners in each swim, as well as with certificates in a presentation ceremony. There will also be stalls, activities and food and beverages available throughout the day. Those wishing to stay overnight are able to camp at Lenches Lake and can book direct with the lake.

Lee Heard added: “Water safety is of course a priority for us and trained lifeguards and safety measures will be in place throughout the day to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the event safely.

Over 400 people accidentally die from drowning each year on average in the UK and Ireland and the RLSS UK aims to prevent drowning through water safety education.

More than 15,000 rescues are performed every year by RLSS UK Pool Lifeguards. 

The RLSS UK (then the Life Saving Society) was formed in 1891. In 1904, as there was great support for the organisation from the Royal Family, the society was granted permission to use the Royal title and became the Royal Life Saving Society.