The safety of the shoal of 100 swimmers taking part in next month’s Caldey Swim is being supported by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The iconic event, in aid of the RNLI, is organised by Tenby Sea Swimming Association (TSSA), which is making tow floats compulsory for all participants.

Staff from Tenby Leisure Centre will be at the swim’s registration to sell a float for £25 to any swimmer who needs one.

“It is now becoming established practice for swimmers in open water events to wear the tow floats for safety purposes,” said TSSA chairman, Chris Osborne. “Our swimmers have all been notified that we are adopting this policy, but there could be those who turn up for the event without a tow float and could therefore not be allowed to swim.

“But thanks to Pembrokeshire County Council, that won’t now be the case. Tenby Leisure Centre has a stock of tow floats which they use for endurance swimming training, and they have agreed to make ones available to us if needed.

“We really appreciate their support.”

Said Tenby Leisure Centre manager Darren Bowen: “We’re delighted to be supporting this event, and delighted that the decision has been taken to enforce tow floats.

“The safety of all participants is paramount, but this has the added benefit of normalising the use of tow floats for individuals who may swim in the sea by themselves.

“This can only be a good thing for water safety.”

The 2.5-mile swim from Caldey to Tenby takes place on Sunday, August 6.

It is being sponsored by the Port of Milford Haven, Princes Gate Water, FBM and Tenby House.