New date for Waterford's annual Helvick Swim
Entering the water in Ballinacourty for the start of one of the previous RNLI Helvick Swims. The event celebrates 30 years this July. Photo: Noel Browne
The 30th annual RNLI Helvick Swim, originally scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 6, has been postponed to Sunday, July 20.
Event organisers made the decision to postpone after carefully assessing weather and water conditions in Dungarvan Bay, along with forecasts for wind and sea state, which would have created unfavourable conditions for swimmers and support kayakers.
“We’re naturally disappointed to postpone, but the safety of our swimmers and volunteers is always our top priority,” said Kevin O’Morchoe, Chairman of the RNLI Helvick Fundraising Committee.
“The swimmers are hugely committed, having trained for months and raised significant funds for the RNLI.
"We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back on the 20th.”
The date for the Helvick Swim is always carefully chosen based on tides and other key factors.
Unlike many other open water swim events, the Helvick Swim route spans a wide stretch of exposed open water, from Ballinacourty to Helvick. The long line of swimmers is supported on the water by a flotilla of kayaks and RIBs, including The Robert Armstrong, RNLI Helvick’s B Class Atlantic lifeboat.
The RNLI Helvick swim celebrates 30 years of this annual open water swim this year, a much-loved community event.
Sponsored by EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, this swim is a key annual fixture in supporting the invaluable work of the RNLI, whose many volunteers provide an on-call 24-hour search and rescue service for a large part of the south coast of Ireland.
Now kicking off at 1pm on Sunday, July 20, swimmers will participate in a 4km or 2km swim along a marked course starting at Dungarvan Bay and finishing at Heilbhic Pier.
Members of the public are encouraged to come and cheer on the swimmers in Heilbhic, while enjoying live music, food vendors, a raffle, and many activities along the pier.
Kevin O'Morchoe, Chairman, RNLI Helvick Fundraising Committee said, “This year is extremely special for us, as we celebrate thirty years of community spirit, generosity and support. Every euro raised from this event goes directly to crew training, equipment and lifesaving operations.
"We are encouraging everyone to join us to help us continue this proud tradition.”
Safety is the utmost priority throughout the swim, with a dedicated team of expert kayakers and safety boats on hand to escort the swimmers throughout the event.
Speaking ahead of the event Sinead Dooley, Head of Public Engagement at EirGrid said, “EirGrid is proud to be sponsoring the RNLI Helvick Open Water Swim, in support of the critical work of the RNLI and their many volunteers.
"Communities are at the heart of our work to transform the electricity system and create a cleaner, more renewable future. I would like to wish all participants the best of luck and look forward to continued collaboration with communities in Waterford.”
More information about the RNLI Helvick open water swim can be found at https://rnlihelvickswim.ie/swim/
