We did it! Our SCUBA divers are celebrating an amazing achievement. We successfully carried a bulky kayak – generously supplied by Cardiff Bay Kayaking – for four hours from Penarth RNLI, arriving at Barry Dock RNLI station before continuing across Jackson’s Bay and along the Eastern Prom to the RNLI Shop and Visitor Experience at Barry Island.
And all to raise vital funds for the RNLI.
As we reached the final stretch along the prom, we were met by a huge crowd of supporters. HM Coastguard provided a special escort, helping to ensure safety along the route, while Pukka Productions brought the final leg to life, with young performers dancing all the way to the finish line.
At the RNLI Shop and Visitor Experience, participants were welcomed with live music from Perfect Pitch Choir, alongside stalls and family activities. The day continued with an afternoon music event at Barry Athletic Bowls Club, featuring performances from Women in Harmony and Voice Male, as well as Barry Ukulele Strummers..
Cardiff BSAC Publicity Officer, Steve Capell said: ‘It’s so reassuring to know that – in an emergency at sea – we can depend on the RNLI. But at Cardiff BSAC, we will never forget that the RNLI also depends on sea users like us. They rely on the money generated by sponsorship, donations and the sterling fund-raising efforts of their volunteers. So that’s why we had this bonkers idea to haul a great big Kayak round the streets of Penarth, Sully and Barry. We were determined to raise as much money and build as much awareness for the RNLI as we possibly could and give something back to this fantastic charity.’
The funds raised from the event will go towards supporting the RNLI’s lifesaving work around the coast in the Vale of Glamorgan and will be split between Penarth and Barry RNLI lifeboat stations.
Cardiff BSAC is a branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club
The British Sub-Aqua Club is the UK governing body for recreational scuba diving
