A GREAT tradition in Sandown Bay takes place this afternoon (Saturday) — the Pier2Pier Swim, now in its 68th year.

The event, organised by the Isle of Wight Marlins Swim Club, is a 1.8-mile open water swim, run under the auspices of the British Long Distance Swimming Association (BLDSA).

The swim will get underway at 12.45pm adjacent to Sandown Pier, and will follow a stright course to Shanklin Bay, outside the Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club, which is by the site of the old Shanklin Pier, destroyed in the Great Storm of 1987.

To ensure the safety of the swimmers, the crews of the inshore lifeboats of Sandown and Shanklin and Ryde, together with members of the Shanklin Deep Sea Fishing Club, who will provide craft, and members of the Isle of Wight Kayak Club.