Make a splash for the lifeboats (From Western Telegraph)

Make a splash for the lifeboats

PEOPLE from all over South West Wales will be looking forward to a wet weekend in Pembrokeshire in August when the RNLI's fun and frantic team challenge 'Splash & Dash' comes to the Principality for the first time.

And local RNLI supporters made a splash on Thursday when they helped to launch this unique event at Oakwood Park and invited teams of four people from Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Swansea to take up the wet and wild challenge to raise money for the lifeboats.

Splash & Dash - which will take place on Sunday, August 12th, at Oakwood - is open to anyone over 18, and costs just £20 for a team of four to take part. This includes entry into the park, all activities plus two free supporters' tickets per team member.

All team members will be asked to raise £100 sponsorship for the RNLI, and will be provided with help and advice by the charity on how to raise it in enjoyable and easy ways.

'This is a great opportunity to have a fun day out this summer with your colleagues, staff, friends or family', said Tamsin Carveth, RNLI event organiser. 'It promises to be a superb day for all the family, and will be raising money at the same time, which is essential to keep our lifeboats out on the sea saving lives.

'The teams will spend the afternoon taking part in activities which will be set up around the attractions at the theme park.

Teams will:Defy logic as they walk on water in amazing inflatable hydroballs.

Scale the heights of a completely transparent climbing wall.

Build a ten foot palm tree while battling through obstacles, foam and water.

Win the human table football league.

Joust on a slippery pole over 'shark infested' waters.

Most of the challenges are straight from the USA and have never been seen in the UK before, but everyone taking part will be properly trained in how they work on the day.

Each team will compete against each other to complete the challenges and win points throughout the afternoon.

And when the action of Splash & Dash is over, teams will be able to spend the summer evening relaxing at one of the park's restaurants or picnic areas, enjoying New Orleans style entertainment and watching Wales' biggest firework display before heading home with their well-deserved prizes.

To take part in Splash & Dash, contact Tamsin Carveth on 029 2045 6999 or e-mail Tamsin_Carveth@rnli.org.uk

There are 224 lifeboat stations around the coasts of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, manned by over 4,500 volunteer men and women to save those in peril at sea. It will cost a staggering £100 million to maintain the RNLI throughout 2001.