Dive into the action and support our incredible team as they take on an epic 24-hour river challenge!

The SARA Tewksbury Flood and Swift water Rescue (SRT) Team is embarking on an incredible challenge, swimming widths of the River Avon to collectively conquer the distance of the English Channel—34km! This is not just about the swim; it’s about coming together for a cause that truly matters.

We are raising funds to update and replace our essential SRT equipment. Each Search Technician needs the right equipment to ensure their safety while they risk their lives to save others. It costs £1441 to equip one technician, and right now, our kit is old, broken, and desperately in need of replacement. Our equipment has been through so much: dragged through the mud on the Seven, torn in the floods in Tewkesbury, and hastily thrown into vans as we support rescue teams across the country.

Our gear not only protects us but is vital for the lives we strive to save. We cannot do this without your support. Please consider donating whatever you can to help us continue our life-saving work.

Our team come from all walks of life - Project managers to Paramedics, Engineers to Teachers who give up their time to learn the essential skills, such as operating in the complex environment of the hydrology of a weir, train to maintain currency and be able administer first aid when we get to someone in need. Ultimately we are ready to deploy into an environment where time is of the essence and our equipment must be able to protect us from dirty flood water and the local river ways. Some of the pictures in this album demonstrate the type of conditions we are required to operate in.

This challenge will involve a Swift water Rescue Technician in full safety equipment swimming widths of the river. The team are looking for financial support and would love to see you on the day supporting our crew.

Please note: that we are trained individuals in appropriate PPE completing this challenge and whilst we want everyone to enjoy our local waterways we want you to do this in a safe and responsible way.

Together, we can ensure that we are well-equipped to face any challenge that arises. Thank you for being part of something extraordinary.