BOURNEMOUTH’S Pier to Pier Swim which was due to take place today has been postponed.

The decision was made to put back the annual event on Friday following a change in the weather forecast for today.

A new date for the swim will be announced next week. Ben Granata, director at Event Water Safety which provides the lifeguard and safety cover for the swim, said: “As of Friday morning the weather forecast is predicting wind speeds gusting up to 30mph in a south westerly (cross/onshore) direction.

“The forecasts are also predicting a swell range of between three to five feet, which we believe could result in waves breaking along the beach in the waist to chest high range. These factors, along with the forecast of rain which would cause a significant reduction in visibility for both participants and lifeguards, has left us in a position where we do not feel we could guarantee the safety of participants at this weekend’s British Heart Foundation Pier to Pier Swim.”

He added: “We are therefore left with no choice but to reschedule the event. Safety has to be our number one priority.”

The British Heart Foundation thanked everyone who has signed up for this year’s event and said it would be working to contact all registered participants over the next 24 hours to inform them of the news.

Anyone registered to take part will have their registration automatically transferred to the new date so no action is required. However, those who would like to speak to the charity further about the situation can contact the customer service centre on 0845 130 8663 or email events@bhf.org.uk.