PZ Pontoon

UPDATE 30th June 2023

THANK YOU!!!

As of today, we reached £5,347 in donations to our campaign thanks to all the wonderful individuals and businesses of Penzance.

This has given us enough to purchase a 3m X 3m pontoon which we aim to be installed in mid-July this year. We have ordered it today!

This pontoon is slightly smaller than we originally hoped for, with no fenders or non-slip mats, so we've decided to go ahead and purchase the small pontoon as it's modular in structure so it can be added to in the future, and any further donations will purchase either more blocks or non-slip mats and fender edging for the existing pontoon.

For this reason, we are keeping the campaign open for any future contributions so that the pontoon can be added to for next year.

Above are our generous business donators to the pontoon campaign. Thank you x

As our swim community in Penzance continues to grow, which is bringing more visitors into our local swim areas to explore and meet like-minded open water swimmers, we feel this pontoon would bring a focal point; a fun, free, healthy and safe activity for a growing community to enjoy.

As swim enthusiasts, we have visited swim pontoons (or dive platforms as they are also called) around the coast of Cornwall, and recently visited the one in Fowey & St Mawes.

They are hugely popular and are appearing in quite a few outdoor swim spots, but none in West Penwith. In our research, we have been in close contact with those who installed two pontoons in Plymouth (also achieved through local funding) and they've been helpful in providing us with lots of the technical and practical information we need. We have spoken to communities in other areas of Cornwall that have swim pontoons, they say they are hugely appreciated and enjoyed by local swimmers and other water enthusiasts alike.

The benefits

Where would it be located?

At the moment, the designated swim zone (demarcated by yellow markers between south pier and battery rocks) is a lovely spot but barely used compared to the other side of the rocks, so we do not feel the pontoon would obstruct any area currently being used for anything else, it would not spoil any view of the bay area from the promenade. It will also be accessible at low tide giving swimmers somewhere to swim to when its tricky to swim elsewhere.

We are working closely with the Penzance Harbour Master, James, who fully supports our initiative as he is trying to encourage swimmers away from the main harbour during the busy summer months due to dangerous boat traffic. He has agreed to help with the maintenance of the pontoon and has offered storage over the winter months. We plan to have the pontoon in position each year from May - October.

How much do we need?

The first image is of the pontoon in Plymouth which is same structure and size of what we are seeking funding for. We have been in touch with the company who manufactured this, Versadock (who are the leading manufacturers of modular plastic pontoons). We need £16,000 for a pontoon that is 5 x 5 metres (including fixtures and fittings).

If we cannot raise sufficient to purchase the 5 x 5 metre pontoon, there is an option for a 3 x 3 metre pontoon for £8,500.

[UPDATE: Please see note at top of page]

How much should I give?

We know times are tight, so whatever you can afford would be extremely helpful!

If you are a business and could give a little more to help reach our target, then any donation over £100 will ensure a mention of your business name in all our promotional materials, social media posts and press coverage etc.

Please help us in making this swim adventure happen!

Emily Evans & Sue Harwood xx