Could you swim from Blackpool to the Isle of Man?

Could you swim from Blackpool to the Isle of Man?

That’s the question being asked of swimmers from August to October as part of an exciting new challenge which is running at Palatine Leisure Centre.

Using new “Swimtag” technology which measures the distance you travel in the water as well as your stroke speed and much more, keen swimmers are being challenged to clock up the 101km distance between the start of August and the end of October.

Cllr Graham Cain, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for tourism and leisure, said: “This is a good bit of fun and a big challenge to motivate people to get fit and use the pool.

“There is a serious message too though in that the Swimtag is a really good bit of kit which is helping people to measure their achievements in the water.

“It can be a helpful guide to boosting performance and helping people to stay fit which is great for your health and wellbeing.

“I’d encourage everyone who uses Blackpool’s swimming pools to log their distances using the Swimtag and try to smash the target.”

All registered swimmers completing the 101km swim by 31 October will be entered into a draw to win a waterproof MP3 player and two runners-up will receive a Swimtag t-shirt.

To enter all the swimmers need to do is pick up a wristband from Palatine Leisure Centre reception, wear the wristband during their swim and then register online at www.swimtag.net 
and join the Isle of Man challenge.

Swimmers can join the challenge at any time but the distance needs to be completed by 31 October for entry into the draw.