Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) has partnered with Vobster Quay to launch DARE to BARE, a topless sponsored swim for women that will raise vital funds for the charity and challenge the stigma that can prevent women from receiving life-saving CPR.
Taking place on August 23 at Vobster Quay, near Radstock, the event invites participants aged 18 and over to take on a unique open water swim in a supportive and empowering environment.
The charity said the aim was to encourage open conversation around chest access in an emergency and build confidence in delivering CPR to women when every second counts. 
Women are less likely to receive bystander CPR or survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest than men, with hesitation around chest access often cited as a barrier.
Critical Care Practitioner at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Claire Baker, said: “Attending patients in cardiac arrest is a frequent part of our clinical work. Unfortunately, I have witnessed the consequences of delayed or absent CPR and the evidence is clear that women are disproportionately affected.
“Women experiencing cardiac arrest at home or in a public place, are less likely to receive bystander CPR than men. In a cardiac arrest, every minute without intervention reduces survival by up to 10%, and any delay can be fatal.
“At DSAA we have offered CPR education to the public for many years. Our CPR awareness sessions show how CPR is a simple, life-saving intervention that should be delivered without hesitation.
“We want to empower our supporters to offer women the same immediate, confident lifesaving treatment as men and we are excited that DARE to BARE will raise awareness of this inequality.”
Alongside the swim, participants will learn CPR skills using the charity’s new female CPR manikins. Introduced to build confidence in practising CPR on women, these will be used across the air ambulance’s wider CPR and defibrillator awareness sessions throughout Dorset and Somerset.
Tania Eveleigh, Events Manager at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, said: “DARE to BARE is about creating a space where women feel empowered and confident, all while raising awareness of an issue that could save lives.
“This event is made even more special thanks to Vobster Quay, a long-standing supporter of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. By opening this incredible venue to non-members, participants can enjoy a truly memorable and freeing swim in one of the UK’s best open water facilities, surrounded by beautiful Somerset countryside.
“Every participant will not only help raise funds for our life-saving service but will also have the opportunity to learn potentially life-saving CPR skills and gain the confidence to act in an emergency. We are also grateful to Zoggs for their support of the event through the donation of swim caps for all participants, helping to make the day even more memorable.”
DARE to BARE is open to women aged 18 and over – more information is available at: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/Event/daretobare2026
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