Beard Cap cuts 'facial hair-drag' for swimmers

LONDON, June 2 (UPI) -- Virgin Trains, a sponsor of the Great North Swim in England, said it has solved the problem of "facial hair-drag" with the Beard Cap for swimmers.

The company said the Lycra caps, which wrap under the jaw and over the mouth to keep swimmers' beards and mustaches at bay, will be available for the first time to participants in the June 12-14 swim at Lake Windermere.

The company said the Beard Cap was developed in response to complaints posted to online forums about facial hair creating drag and slowing down swimmers.

"As a newly bearded man, who is also a keen swimmer, I can empathize!" said Alex Jackson, event director for the Great North Swim. "We're sure our swimmers will appreciate the efforts Virgin Trains has gone to and perhaps the Beard Cap will solve the problem of 'facial hair-drag' and encourage more guys to suit up and take the plunge in 2015!"