Icom UK to Support Swimming the Solent Charity Swim 2022

Icom is pleased to continue its support of the safety team for this year's Ian Pratt Challenge (Swimming the Solent for MND) which will take place between 8th and 9th August. The annual charity swim, previously postponed because of COVID, will take a route between Ryde on the Isle of Wight to Gosport on the mainland. It's a busy stretch of water with challenging tides, boating traffic and choppy seas. It's certainly a challenge for all the swimmers!

This year there are 36 swimmers taking part in three crossings. Every year the event is oversubscribed, raising vital money for the charity. Along with 36 swimmers, the event will have 15 kayakers, eight people on the shore support safety teams, four power boats and an army of other supporters. The event takes months of planning each year to ensure everything goes smoothly and safely.

The event is now in its 9th year and, so far, has raised over £252,000 for MND charities. Donations to research projects and grants to people affected with MND are allocated, hopefully making life a little easier in times of need.

Richard Dawson, Kayak Support Organiser, said, 'Safety is paramount. Each swimmer is paired with an experienced kayaker who guides the swimmer over the Solent. Rebel Marine will provide four safety powerboats to ensure that everyone is kept safe and that all agencies are kept up to date with the events progress.'

He added, 'Safety is of our paramount concern for an event like this, and the use of VHF radios is immensely important. Icom radios are our number one choice because of their performance and reliability. We will be using a loaned Icom Regatta Pack to add to the radios we are using. It means that everybody can communicate with each other, the support boats, and the shore. The ability to call out for a change of direction and ask for assistance is vital when we are in such a busy stretch of water.'

If people are interested in this event and want to provide donations, visit the Swimming the Solent website: http://www.swimmingthesolent4mnd.com/.

Icom UK Marketing - marketing@icomuk.co.uk