Poor weather conditions have forced a change in plans for the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Tickle Swim, which was originally scheduled for this weekend.

The event raises funds and awareness for the local division of the association by setting participants on a 5k swim between Bell Island and Portugal Cove. However, organizers say pending weather and ocean movements have caused them to reconsider the event for the safety of both swimmers and their kayakers. Instead, the Tickle Swim will take a virtual form this year.

Organizers say the swimmers will safely fulfill their commitment to the 5k swim in their own manner—whether that be in local bodies of water, pools, or in the ‘Try the Tickle’ event scheduled for August 14.

Find out more about the event or donate by visiting www.tickleswim.ca