Media release
17 July 2012

Ahoy there, swimmers!

Landlubbers of all ages are invited to become pirates for the day and brave the icy waters of Mission Bay for Winter Splash 2012.

The free, fancy-dress themed annual swim has become a favourite on the local calendar and the Orakei Local Board is promising plenty of fun and entertainment at this year’s event on Sunday, July 29, from midday to 3pm.

Board chair Desley Simpson is encouraging all Aucklanders to dress up as characters from Pirates of the Caribbean for a mid-winter dip or enjoy the range of activities planned on dry land at the Selwyn Reserve.

“The Orakei Local Board is proud to support this popular event. It is another great opportunity for local people and businesses to demonstrate what a special place Mission Bay is to the many visitors we are sure will come along,” says Ms Simpson, who will start the race to the sound of cannon fire.

Face painting and a pirate ship bouncy castle will be among the other attractions, which also include roving shark and penguin characters from Kelly Tarlton’s and the event crew from More FM.

Mission Bay cafes, bars and restaurants have entered into the spirit of the event by offering a range of “Survivor Discounts” to those registering for the swim.

There will be fantastic prizes on offer as well, but one local family doesn’t need any incentive to take part.

Peter Marks, his wife Ruth Hill, and children Nathan (12), Hannah (10) and Ben (8), from Glendowie, have braved the cold for the past six years in a variety of guises.

“We have been dressed as everything from The Incredibles to the Big Kahunas and his Hula Honeys and we have so many great photos,” says Ruth. “The Winter Splash is a great event and we have loved getting to know people who come back year after year to join the fun.”

Registration starts at midday, followed by the splash at 2pm and entertainment until 3pm.

For more information go to:
http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/newseventsculture/events/Events/Pages/Home.aspx

Special discount details can be found at www.missionbay.co.nz or www.facebook.com/missonbay.

Ends

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