The author, who is a cancer survivor, was not named but the words on the page titled Sink or Swim reson- ated with those in attendance.

The letter spoke of the decision to either sink or swim after being diagnosed with cancer and said if you do swim the waters are rough, dirty and dangerous.

It read: “Some people simply can’t swim — for those people we now offer a boat, not just any kind of boat, but the meanest, fiercest dragon boat you’ll ever see.

“Just let us know if you feel like you’re drowning, we will swing by in our 12-metre boat and if you get in we will keep you afloat.”

More than 4000 people attended the first day of the Dragon Boat Regatta.

There were 22 community boats, three cancer survivor boats and about 500 paddlers who competed during the day.

Co-ordinator of The Dragon Boat Club and cancer survivor Pauline Harbick was part of the winning cancer survivor team Brave Hearts.

She said the event had reached capacity this year.

“The response has been fabulous, especially the cancer survivors who have travelled to come here, that is really special on the water,” she said.

“It’s about having the support of other people who have been through a similar thing, its very powerful — there is something to be said for the power of a group.

“We would really like to thank the community for their support, this can only happen because of them.”

Vice-president at Brave Hearts on the Murray Suzy Watson said money raised went to cancer services in the area.

“Dragon boating has been identified as a great healthy activity for breast cancer survivors in particular, which is why we became involved with building a boat.

“We are the first breast cancer survivor group internationally to have built their own boat, which we built 10 years ago when we were established.”

The social community challenge was taken out by Flex Out Physiotherapy and the premier community challenge was won by Albury Council.