The Tribune

WATERKEEPERS Bahamas has announced that it will host Splash Mania, a first-of-its-kind event for the Bahamas with kayak races, paddle-board competition, kiddie games, beach volleyball and a full slate of water-related activities.

Set for Saturday, July 8, Splash Mania will take place on the beach off Manta Ray Restaurant in Williams Town on Silver Point Drive, in central Grand Bahama.

"Waterkeepers Bahamas, like Waterkeepers around the world, is focused on making waters swimmable, fishable and drinkable," said Rashema Ingraham, local executive director. "While most of our work involving monitoring and reporting is very serious, we also want to build awareness of the importance of water that we can enjoy safely through fun activities. That is how the idea of Splash Mania was born."

According to organisers, there will be single and team kayak races and kayak obstacle races. Participants will be grouped by age. Boys and girls will compete in 12 and under and 13-17 age groups. Males and females in the 18 and over category will compete in separate categories. Winners and runners up will compete for more than $1,000 in cash prizes and giveaways. All equipment is being provided by sponsor Grand Bahama Nature Tours. Other sponsors include Barefoot Marketing, Manta Ray Restaurant and Save The Bays.

"We are very grateful to all our sponsors and especially to Erica Gates at Grand Bahama Nature Tours for lending us all the equipment to make this event possible including all the kayaks and paddleboards," said Ms Ingraham. "We are also very appreciative of Sarah Kirkby and her team at Barefoot Marketing and 242Weekly.com for helping to promote Splash Mania."

Tickets may be purchased the day of the event or ahead at the Waterkeepers' office at the Jasmine Centre or at Barefoot Marketing. The entry fee is $20 for adult competitors per kayak race, $10 for those 17 and under.

Active on six continents, Waterkeepers is the largest volunteer organisation in the world focused on water quality. The Bahamas has three licenced Waterkeepers - Clifton and Southwest Bays (New Providence), Coastal Grand Bahama and Bimini.