On the 22nd of August at approximately 7am Dave Astins, a daring volunteer and supporter of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales successfully completed the 2.5 mile treacherous sponsored swim from Marloes Sands, across Marloes Bay to the beautiful Skokholm Island in amazing time of 1hr 24mins.

The Wildlife Trust have carried out research and have still yet to find someone who has successfully completed and recorded the swim from the mainland to the island, so this is quite possibly a first!

David starts his swim to Skokholm photo by Drew Buckley Photography

Speaking from Skokholm Island, Dave who works in Education and Children’s Services for Carmarthenshire County Council said, ‘I am absolutely delighted with how things went what an amazing experience. The first part of the swim was lovely but half way through there was a fairly heavy swell which made swimming extremely difficult. I knew I had to stay patient and hold back, seeing the Island get closer really lifted my spirits and motivated me during the final stage’.

Delighted with the time of 1hr 24mins Dave said ‘This was also a personal challenge and I am extremely pleased with the time; it would not have been possible without the support of so many people; the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales, SwimCap.com, Skomer Marine Nature Reserve, Natural Resources Wales, Skalmey Boat and everyone that’s already donated to the JustGiving page.

But there’s no rest for Dave on Skokholm, he will be spend the next 3 nights on the island volunteering for the Wildlife Trust. After a quick cup of tea and bite to eat Dave was already getting stuck in to his list of jobs which include painting and maintenance.

Dave who trains with Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club said that ‘all money raised will go towards the Wildlife Trusts’ work on Skokholm Island, a world famous seabird colony and Britain's first Bird Observatory.

If you’d like to help Dave support the work of the Wildlife Trust then please visit the JustGiving page on the link, the page will remain open until the middle of September.

We hope that he paints as good as he swims!

https://www.justgiving.com/Dave-Swims-to-Skokholm