1 month to go! Women set to DARE to BARE for life-saving CPR awareness and local air ambulance charity

Women from across the region are preparing to DARE to BARE next month as they come together to support Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and raise awareness of the barriers that can prevent women receiving life-saving CPR.

Taking place at Vobster Quay on Sunday 23 August, the topless sponsored swim will raise vital funds for the charity while drawing attention to a little-known fact: women are less likely than men to receive bystander CPR following a cardiac arrest.

Research suggests that hesitation around touching or exposing a woman’s chest may contribute to  delays in people acting during an emergency. For many participating, DARE to BARE is about helping to change those statistics.

Mollie, who is taking part in this year's event, explains why she has got involved:

“Myself and three other wonderful lifeguards from Wivey Pool (who I talked into it!) are taking part in DARE to BARE to raise awareness that women are less likely to receive bystander intervention CPR than men, which results in significantly poorer survival rates. 

Alongside this we are raising funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. As lifeguards at a rural lido, we understand how important it is for specialist help to reach people quickly in remote areas, and we’re proud to support the vital work that they do. 

Come and join us, it will be great fun!”

More than a swim: Raising awareness and saving lives

Alongside the swim, participants will learn life-saving CPR and defibrillator skills using Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s female CPR manikins. Designed to make training more representative, the manikins will help people build the confidence to act in an emergency, regardless of gender.

Every participant will be helping Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance continue its vital work across the region, where its critical care team is tasked to around 3,000 incidents every year.

Hear from #Team DSAA

Tania Eveleigh, Events Manager at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance said:

"DARE to BARE is about far more than a swim. It's about bringing women together to have an important conversation that could ultimately save lives.

It's been incredibly encouraging to see the conversations this event has already started. We know that some people are understandably hesitant about performing CPR on a woman's chest, but when someone is in cardiac arrest, every second counts. The women coming to this event are sending a powerful message – it’s ok to save my life. 

We are committed to creating a welcoming, supportive and safe environment where women can take part in whatever feels comfortable for them. Toplessness is entirely optional, and whether participants choose to swim topless or in a swimsuit, they'll receive exactly the same warm welcome.

We're looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic evening, bringing women together to support one another, learn life-saving CPR skills and raise vital funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. We're also incredibly grateful to Zoggs for sponsoring our swim caps and helping to make this unique event possible.

If this event gives even one more person the confidence to step forward and perform CPR without hesitation, together we'll have achieved something truly meaningful."


Ready to join us?

DARE to BARE takes place at Vobster Quay on Sunday 23 August and is open to women aged 18 and over. 

  • Open water swim with short, medium and longer distance options available
  • CPR and Defibrillator Awareness Session
  • £30 entry fee
  • £50 minimum fundraising target
  • Each participant will receive a Zogg’s Silicone swim cap, post-swim refreshments and a free event t-shirt for participants who raise over £50
  • Terms and conditions apply

Find out more and book your place

Manage Cookie Preferences