A sales manager for a London-based travel company is going to brave shark infested waters, fierce winds and strong currents to raise money for the water charity Just a Drop.
Ian Taplin of Rex Safaris, along with swimming coach Robert Parkinson, plans to cross the Straits of Gibraltar – from Tarifa in Spain to Punta Cires in Morocco – around August 6 to 12 (depending on weather conditions).
Taplin said neither were experienced long distance swimmers, but were willing to tackle the 20 km crossing anyway. “The rules for the crossing are the same as those for the English Channel, swimmers can only wear hats, goggles and trunks and an (optional) coating of goose fat to ward off the cold! Strong winds, chilly water and fast tidal currents are the main challenges but we hope the training we’re doing will give us a good chance of making it,” he said on the www.justgiving.com/swim2africa website.
Less than 250 people have swum the straits in the last 80 years. Under the auspices of the Strait of Gibraltar Swimming Association, officials will monitor the swimmers’ progress.
“I was attracted to Just a Drop because its message is a simple one, that even small amounts of money can and are making a difference in the third world,” said Taplin.
Just a Drop charity asks the travel industry to help it reduce the 5,000 child deaths that occur every day in various parts of the world because of unsafe polluted water. Individuals or companies can support Just a Drop by numerous ways including one off donations, by taking part in a charity event (such as a marathon), leaving money to the charity through a legacy or will, and companies can sponsor a particular project in the field or organise team building and challenge events within the company, proceeds of which go to the charity.
It says a cause related marketing campaign demonstrates corporate social responsibility, raises brand awareness and increases sales.