Bookings are coming in thick and fast from people keen to take part in Medway’s newest sporting event, The Big Splash.

Additional pool parties have been added to the timetable after tickets for the first two at Medway Park, Gillingham, and Strood Sports Centre were snapped up.

Swimmers of all ages are also registering for the main event – the Big Swim Challenge – as organisers try to see how far Medway can swim in one day. Some are doing it for charity, some as part of a team, others with their families.

The weekend event on January 18 and 19 will showcase watersports, aquatics and water-based activities.

It builds on the success of the annual Medway Mile, which now attracts thousands of people of every age for a one-mile walk or run around Rochester.

The Big Splash is free to enter and is open to the whole community, from beginners to advanced swimmers, families and individuals.

The programme has three parts:

Medway Big Splash - Saturday, January 18 from 10am-5pm at Medway Park and Strood Sports Centre: Pool-based family fun with taster sessions and lessons including diving and lifesaving, synchronised swimming, sub aqua and snorkelling, water polo and aqua zumba.

Booking is recommended, call 01634 336655 or book via reception.

Family Big Splash pool parties – inflatables and raft games, a family swim gala, races and a pool disco. Additional sessions to be held on Saturday, January 18 at Strood Sports Centre (3.30pm-5.30pm) and Sunday, January 19 at Medway Park (3.30pm-5pm). Download a booking form at www.medway.gov.uk/bigsplash or ask at reception.

The Medway Big Swim Challenge – Sunday, January 19 at Medway Park and Strood. How far can Medway swim in one day?

Take up the challenge and swim between one length and one mile, as a team or individually, for charity or just for fun. Every participant receives a free souvenir T-shirt.

Pre-registration is essential for all sessions.

The pool party is a free ticketed event and those in the Big Swim Challenge will need to register and book a time slot at the pool of their choice.

• For more information and to download registration forms visit www.medway.gov.uk/bigsplash or visit Medway Park or Strood Sports Centres to pick up an information leaflet and forms.