Climate campaigners take to the sea ahead of G7 Summit in Cornwall
The 'Swimming for their Lives' action took place in front of St Michael's Mount on Sunday, to demand action over rising sea levels
Campaigners and locals from west Cornwall have taken to the sea to send a message to world leaders ahead of the G7 Summit.
The 'Swimming for their Lives' action took place in front of St Michael's Mount at Marazion on Sunday (6th June), to demand action on rising sea levels.
The group are warning that over 257 million homes are under threat worldwide, from Falmouth to Shanghai!
The group marched from the green at Marazion, down onto the beach and out into the water, where they allowed the incoming tide to engulf them.
They were carrying banners saying "G7 we're watching you", "sea levels are rising", "swimming for their lives" and "drowning in promises".
They were accompanied by a samba band and sea shanty singers, as crowds gathered on the beach to watch.
Coordinator Chris James, from Penzance, said: "When the SWIMMING FOR THEIR LIVES action was first suggested, people responded with enthusiasm and a sense of purpose.
"Our common bond is a concern for the plight of over a quarter of a billion people - mostly the poor - who will be displaced by rising sea levels caused largely by the developed nations.
"In areas as far afield as Florida and the Marshall Islands the damage is already occurring.
"Our aim is to help G7 delegates to remember this; to place the climate emergency at the top of their agenda; and to put the long-term wellbeing of all living things ahead of the short-term interests of their constituents.
"Ours isn't a negative protest, but rather a positive empowerment.
"Our final banner reads, G7 YOU HAVE THE POWER TO TURN THE TIDE. They do have that power, and they must use it.
"We're eager to support any leader who is willing to do what's right for the planet".
Chris James, Swimming for their Lives Coordinator
Alison Meaton, a climate activist and Quaker, from West Penwith, said: "I'm here to fight climate injustice. The poor will suffer most as the global temperature rises".
Treliske nurse Julie Jephson added: "I'm here for my grandchildren and all the children of the World whose futures will be threatened by our inaction".
Lynne Jones OBE, a psychiatrist and aid worker from Penzance, said: "Every year at least 20 million people are made homeless by climate related disasters. That is one person every two seconds. I am here for them".
Lorraine Furneaux, a psychotherapist and nurse from Penzance, added: "I'm here because the future of our planet is being trashed and world leaders must step up action now before it's too late".
David SmartKnight, an environmental educator from Penzance, said: "Surely the basic requirement of a 'world leader' is someone who is trusted to be clear in their thinking, able to take, analyse and work with feedback, be a good judge of people and hold integrity.
"The escalating climate, ecological, racial, social justice and democratic crises the world faces demonstrate the failure of these people and the institutions they represent to measure up".
The 'Swimming for their Lives' event is one of dozens of days of action and protests planned across Cornwall ahead of and during the G7 Summit.
On Saturday, a 'Protest the Earth' march set off from Plymouth to Carbis Bay: Read more.
Campaign group, Extinction Rebellion, have also released a list of planned protests: Read more.
As of last week, Devon & Cornwall Police said they are working with around 30 groups and organisations to facilitate peaceful protests.
You can read more about the security operation on the dedicated G7 Policing Website here.