A DROWNING prevention charity is holding its first Open Water Festival in the Ragley Estate near Alcester this month.

Staff at The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), based in Broom, are aiming to raise funds and help reduce deaths by educating the public on water safety during the event on Saturday, September 26.

The day will be filled with family activities, stalls and refreshments – all in the aid of drowning prevention.

The event will include the Ragley Crawl, a swimming competition in Ragley Lake which will see participants aged 16 and up swim one mile and over 12s take part in a half mile or 400m team relay.

The charity has also organised a Rookie Raid, a 200m swim and a 400m run aimed at youngsters, aged eight to 12.

The swims are suitable for all abilities and can be done in any stroke.

Wetsuits are compulsory unless the competitor wears a tow float and these are available to hire for £5.

A spokesman for the event said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for first timers, novice and experienced open water swimmers to experience open water swimming in the grounds of one of the country’s premier stately homes.”

Charity ambassador and open water endurance swimmer, Adam Walker, who has took part in the seven toughest ocean swims in the world, will host the event.

Olympic and physical activity expert to the stars, Professor Greg Whyte OBE and Olympic swimmer Mark Foster, are also set to make an appearance and take part.

Competitors are asked to fundraise for RLSS UK and donate to the charity’s fundraising page justgiving.com/rlssuk.

To book a place visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/rlss-uk-open-water-festival-ragley-crawl-tickets-17877145022.