News

The annual watersports festival hosted and organised by the Borough of Poole splashes into action again on 28 and 29 June 2003. The weekend offers water based fun for all 9 - 17 year olds regardless of physical ability.

If you enjoy sports and fancy your hand at watersports then look no further than Youth Afloat. Although the event is 6 months away, brochures are now available but you’ll have to reserve your places early to avoid disappointment. With up to 1500 young people coming, the activities get fully booked very quickly.

Cllr Graham Wilson, Executive Portfolio Holder for Community Development, said: "The activities provided by Youth Afloat are fantastic. The weekend offers everyone the chance to have fun and enjoy what the beautiful harbour of Poole has to offer. Youth Afloat has been a success for so many years and is thoroughly enjoyed by participants and volunteers alike, many who come back year on year."

The event sponsored by Southern Electric and organised by the Council’s Leisure Services, offers a variety of activities including Raft Racing, Windsurfing and the very popular Dinghy Racing which is being kept in the line up due to last year’s success. Expert guidance in this activity is on hand through the provision of experienced young helms from Parkstone and Poole Yacht Clubs.

Susan Scobie of Southern Electric, said: "We are delighted to be involved once more with Youth Afloat. The event is a fantastic way to promote the welfare and well being of young people as well as giving them an excellent opportunity to experience watersports, many for the first time. Southern Electric are extremely proud to support this."

The event which was first hosted as part of International Youth Year is still the biggest and best in the country and is now in it’s 19^th year. With activities ranging from Dinghy Sailing to Sub Aqua, and Lifesaving to fearless trips with the Royal Marines on raiding craft, there really is something for everyone!

Sue Lever, Event Organiser, said: "Many of the young people that come have never seen the sea before, let alone had the opportunity to get their feet wet! You can attend the event as an individual or as part of a group and we are particularly interested to hear from groups of young people with special needs. These youngsters have fewer opportunities to take part in these activities and we really want to make a difference."

Youth Afloat are always on the lookout for capable volunteers. People are needed to lead walking buses to and from activities, drive minibuses and carry out general administration duties and instruct the youngsters in the various watersports. So, if you have the time and endless energy, please contact the Youth Afloat team and join the fun.

To receive a Youth Afloat brochure contact Sue Lever on (01202) 261343 or e-mail youthafloat@poole.gov.uk
Further information can be found at the website by visiting www.boroughofpoole.com/youthafloat.

The activities take place in the protected waters of Poole Harbour and local swimming pools under the guidance of qualified instructors.

The organisers encourage Youth Groups from Local Yacht Clubs to volunteer to assist in coaching the participants, sharing their knowledge, experience and passion for the various watersports.

A team of around 300 volunteers make the event happen, many of whom have been coming back year after year to donate their knowledge and enthusiasm. Without these individuals and the clubs they belong to the event would not be the success it is today.