Brendon Prince with Vertu Jaguar Land Rover Exeter Brand Manager Anthony Pearson

Vertu Jaguar Land Rover Exeter has partnered with Brendon Prince, founder of the Above Water charity, to support his mission of educating children on water safety and organising the SUP English Riviera Championships (SUPERCHAMPS).

The dealership has provided Brendon with vehicles, including a Jaguar F-Pace and Land Rover Defender, to facilitate his nationwide outreach efforts. Additionally, they are supplying a vehicle for the organisation of the SUP English Riviera Championships, an event that has bid to accommodate a world championship in the coming years.

Above Water aims to reduce water-related accidents by teaching children vital safety skills. The charity’s programmes focus on educating young people about the dangers of open water, how to stay safe while swimming, and what to do in emergencies. The support from Vertu Jaguar Land Rover Exeter allows Brendon to reach more communities, spreading this life-saving knowledge further.

Brendon Prince expressed his gratitude, stating, “The vehicles provided by Vertu Jaguar Land Rover Exeter have been instrumental in expanding our reach and impact. Water safety education is crucial. With Vertu Motors’ help, we’re able to travel across the country, ensuring that children and their families understand how to stay safe in and around water.”

Accidental drowning remains a significant cause of death. According to the National water safety forum there were 659 drownings in 2023. Education and awareness are crucial in preventing these tragedies, which is where Above Water’s efforts are making a difference.

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has seen a significant rise in popularity across the UK, with an estimated 614,000 regular participants. The sport’s accessibility and the UK’s extensive waterways have contributed to its growth. The SUP English Riviera Championships aim to capitalise on this popularity, bringing together paddleboard enthusiasts from across the country.

Dean Bessant, General Manager at Vertu Jaguar Land Rover Exeter, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We’re proud to support the Above Water charity in their mission to educate children on water safety. Providing these vehicles is our way of contributing to a cause that has the potential to save lives. The SUP English Riviera Championships is an exciting event, and we’re thrilled to be a part of its success by ensuring Brendon can travel efficiently and safely as he prepares for the competitions.”

The SUP English Riviera Championships (SUPERCHAMPS), which Brendon founded, is a paddleboard event set to take SUP racing in the UK to the next level. The English Riviera is known for its stunning coastline and vibrant water sports community, is an ideal setting for the championships. The event, set to take place from September 27-29, 2024, in Torbay, will feature a series of paddleboard races, activities, and demonstrations. This event aims to promote the joy of SUP to families and elite athletes alike, highlighting the importance of water safety and the beauty of the UK’s coastal and inland waterways.