Bury Lake Young Mariners (BLYM) is starting its 2026 sailing season with a volunteer preparation event at the Rickmansworth Aquadrome in Hertfordshire. On Saturday 28 February 2026 the local charity will hold its annual Splash Down day to get its fleet of more than 100 boats ready for the spring and summer season.
The event gives members of the community an opportunity to help with cleaning, boat maintenance and site tidy‑up ahead of the season. It also serves to check fleet and equipment and support compliance with the club’s Adventure Activities Licensing Service (AALS) licence. BLYM says the club is run entirely by volunteers; its spring programme includes sessions from mid‑March with courses running through April to August.
The launch comes as the group progresses the final phases of a multi‑year £1.7 million redevelopment of its lakeside facilities. The Boathouse and Wetzone changing areas have been completed, while fundraising and final work continue for the remaining Dryzone clubhouse. Meanwhile, Three Rivers District Council is delivering wider improvements to paths and the nature reserve across the Rickmansworth Aquadrome.
The organisation is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charity no. 1102162) and has been operating since 1983. Families can visit during the volunteer day to find out about membership and to book summer activities for children aged seven and over.
There is some local work affecting footpaths at the Aquadrome involving community bodies such as Batchworth Community Council, but BLYM’s Splash Down day will run from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The day is intended to be a relaxed chance for new residents to see what activities will be available at the lake this year.
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