Dive into a weekend of aquatic activities with the family.

The Medway Big Splash will be packed with free activities at four sites around the area this weekend, Saturday, January 20 and Sunday, January 21.

Kicking off on Thursday, January 18 with a mini youth games event and finishing on Tuesday, January 23 with a disability youth games, it will be raising money for the Medway NHS Foundation Trust charitable fund, providing extra support and equipment for patients.

New this year will be the chance to achieve Swim England distance swimming awards from 100m to 1,000m as well as the Medway Big Splash mile, which is 64 lengths, open to anyone who can safely swim a minimum of 100m.

Free activities will be held at Medway Park, Hoo Sports Centre, Splashes Sports Centre and Strood Sports Centre.

During the Big Splash weekend Medway Council’s qualified instructors will be offering swimmers the chance to try diving, Rookie Lifeguarding, synchronised swimming and the Royal Lifesaving Society’s water safety skills.

There will also be pool parties with aquatic taster sessions including aqua zorbs, water polo, scuba and kayaking.

Cllr Howard Doe from Medway Council said: “The Big Splash is now it its fourth year and we hope that once again lots of local people will get involved. There are plenty of events for families to enjoy including public pool parties, aquatic taster sessions and a swimathon.”

For a timetable of events, and to register, visit medway.gov.uk/bigsplash

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HIGHLIGHTS

Big Splash Swim Challenge

This will be on Sunday, January 21, between 1pm and 6pm at Strood Sports Centre. All levels of fitness, abilities and ages are catered for and every participant receives a Big Splash certificate and medal. There are a range of challenges, from 50m (two lengths) to 2K (80 lengths). There are also team challenges up to 500K (200 lengths) for up to four swimmers. Fees will be £15, £10 for juniors or you will need to raise sponsorship and a sponsorship form to enter, and you’ll need to book a place as there is limited pool capacity.

The Medway Big Splash Aquathlon

This will be run by Medway Tri for a second year at Medway Park on Sunday, January 21, between 1pm and 6pm. All competitors will complete a separate run and swim, with distances determined by age group and/or confidence.