Get Involved Events DARE to BARE A topless sponsored swim. A powerful reason behind it. DARE to BARE this summer! On Sunday 23 August, join us for a bold women-only topless sponsored open water swim at the stunning Vobster Quay in support of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. But this event is about more than taking on a challenge. It’s about raising vital funds for your local air ambulance and highlighting an issue that deserves far more attention: women are less likely than men to receive bystander CPR in public. Studies suggest this may be partly due to concerns about touching or exposing a woman's chest in an emergency. Participants will swim topless in the water to help start important conversations around chest access in an emergency while raising vital funds to help keep your local air ambulance flying and saving lives. Vobster Quay is a renowned open water swimming venue that is opening exclusively for DARE to BARE participants. You must have open water swimming experience and be able to swim at least 400 metres continuously without swimming aids or stopping to take part in this event. Sign up now Why DARE to BARE? When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, immediate CPR can significantly improve their chances of survival. Yet research shows women are less likely than men to receive bystander CPR in public. One reason often cited is hesitation around touching or exposing the chest in an emergency. DARE to BARE aims to help challenge that stigma, start important conversations and encourage greater confidence in performing CPR when every second counts. Alongside the swim, participants can take part in CPR and defibrillator awareness sessions designed to help break down barriers and reinforce a simple message: when someone is in cardiac arrest, acting quickly matters. Will you join us and DARE to BARE? Event details Date: Sunday 23 August 2026, gates open at 17:00 Location: Vobster Quay Event type: Women-only sponsored open water swim Age: 18+ Entry fee: £30 Fundraising target: £50 Swim format: One-hour swim window with varied length courses available Capacity: Limited places available What's included Every participant will receive: You’ll get fundraising support to help you reach your target and if you raise £50 or more you’ll also receive an exclusive DARE to BARE T-shirt! Sign up now Ready to DARE to BARE? Join us at Vobster Quay on 23 August 2026. Book your place today Raise £50. Earn your T-shirt. Help save lives. FAQs Who can take part? DARE to BARE is open to anyone aged 18 or over and identify as women. The event is open to both Vobster Quay members and non-members. Why is the event women-only? DARE to BARE has been created to raise awareness of the fact that women are less likely than men to receive bystander CPR in public. By creating a women-only space, we hope to encourage open conversations, challenge stigma around chest access in an emergency and build confidence in life-saving CPR skills. Why is the swim topless? The event aims to raise awareness of the fact that women are less likely to receive bystander CPR in public. Swimming topless is a symbolic way of challenging stigma around women's chests and encouraging conversations about the importance of acting quickly in an emergency. Do I have to swim topless? The swim itself is designed as a topless swimming event to support the awareness campaign and its message. However, being topless is not compulsory, you can wear swimwear while in the water. Participants are also asked to wear clothing, robes or swimwear before entering and after leaving the water. What swimming experience do I need? To take part, you must: Have no health issues that may pose a risk whilst open water swimming Be able to swim at least 400 metres continuously without swimming aids or stopping Be comfortable swimming in deep water Be able to tread water for at least one minute Have previous experience of open water swimming Can I touch the bottom? No. Entry to the water is via a ramp and the swimming area is deep water. Participants should be confident swimming in open water and treading water when needed. Do I have to swim for the full hour? No. During the one-hour swim session, you can complete as many or as few laps as you feel comfortable with. Clearly marked courses of approximately 330 metres, 550 metres and 750 metres will be available, allowing swimmers of different abilities to choose a distance that suits them. What will the water temperature be? In August, the water temperature at Vobster Quay is typically around 18°C. Vobster Quay's 36-acre lake is spring-fed and water quality is regularly monitored to maintain high standards for open water swimming. Vobster Quay’s Cold water swimming safety video Can friends and family come to watch? To help ensure the event remains safe, supportive and respectful for all participants, spectators are not permitted. If you require an assistant or carer, they are welcome to attend with you. Can I bring children? No. For safety reasons, children are not permitted on site at Vobster Quay during this event. Can I bring my dog? As much as we love dogs, they are not permitted at this event unless they are support dogs. Please leave them at home. How much does it cost to enter? Entry costs £30 per person. We also ask each participant to aim for a minimum fundraising target of £50 to support the life-saving work of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. What do I get for taking part? You’ll receive a silicone swim cap, a complimentary hot drink and sweet treat, CPR and defibrillator awareness session, fundraising support and the chance to earn a DARE to BARE T-shirt when you raise £50 or more. Will there be CPR awareness activities on the day? Yes. CPR and defibrillator awareness and education is a key part of the event. Drop-in sessions will be available before and after the swim, helping you build confidence and learn more about responding in an emergency. Will there be food and drink available? You will receive a complimentary hot drink and sweet treat. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic supper and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Will there be alcohol? No, alcohol is not allowed on site during the event. Is the event cashless? Yes, DARE to BARE will be a cashless event. Is there a Blue Light discount? Yes, a 10% Blue Light discount is available. Please complete the Blue Light discount request form to receive your discount code before booking. Request Blue Light discount code Will online fundraising be available? Yes. When you sign up, you'll automatically receive an online fundraising page to help collect sponsorship and share your challenge with friends and family. Will there be fundraising resources to help me? Absolutely. You'll receive access to our online DARE to BARE resource hub, packed with fundraising tips, social media assets, event information and inspiration to help you reach your target. DARE to BARE resources Sign up now Manage Cookie Preferences