![Image of seasquirts and brittlestars © Paul Naylor](/sites/default/files/styles/node_hero_default/public/2020-06/Seaquirts%20and%20brittlestars%20Paul%20Naylor%20%28Irish%20Sea%20marine%20life%20needs%20protection%29.jpg?h=c226caaa&itok=1ElpF-wE)
Sea squirts and brittle stars are among the marine wildlife in the Irish Sea that need protection © Paul Naylor
Snorkel safari and wild swimming taster
About the event
Explore the wonderful world beneath the waves, with our new series of snorkel safaris and wild swimming tasters!
Weather depending, we will explore the rocky shore wildlife, with potential to see crabs, anemones, starfish, lobsters, and if we’re very lucky small-spotted catsharks, pipefish, and much more!
West Cumbria’s coastline is full of rocky reef and cosy crevices, full of fascinating wildlife just waiting for us to go and explore! In this 2-hour workshop, we will teach you how to safely swim and snorkel in Cumbria’s coastal waters, and teach about the wonderful wildlife which makes it’s home there.
Participants must be over the age of 12 and able to comfortably swim 200m to take part in the event. Children must be accompanied by adults.
You will need your own wetsuit. Snorkel masks and fins can be provided.
You will also be required to sign a health disclaimer before participating in the event. Please get in contact if you have any queries about this before booking.
See you on the shore!
Cost: £5.00
Organiser: Cumbria Wildlife Trust
Where: Parton beach. Please note: the approach to the sea is 200m over uneven and slippery terrain. Participants must be able to comfortably swim 200m to take part in the event.
Booking required
Disclaimer:
The Irish Sea has lots of muddy and sandy habitats, which are amazing for wildlife and are full of rich nutrients which support a fantastic array of biodiversity. However, this also means that the visibility in the water is highly variable, and it is not always possible to snorkel. Hence, this workshop will either be a snorkel safari, using snorkelling equipment to explore the rocky reefs, or a wild swimming taster and wildlife workshop, where we learn about swim safety and swim together as a group, and separately discuss and explore the wildlife which lives along the coast through pictures, artefacts, and other resources. The most suitable workshop will be decided on the morning of the event once the guides have assessed the conditions.
In some cases, the workshop may need to be cancelled entirely due to adverse or dangerous weather conditions. In these cases, you would receive a full refund, or would have the option to rebook for a future date.