Childline encourages Waterford people to make a splash with a September 'Sea Swim' 

Childline's September 'Sea Swims' are open to everyone and the organisation is hoping that people in Waterford will give it their support.

One of the people supporting the initiative is heptathlete, Lara O’Byrne who is a passionate sea swimmer and who was one of the first people to sign up to this year’s September Sea Swims. 

Now she’s hoping that people throughout the country will join her and make a splash for Childline.

Childine is Ireland's only 24/7 listening service to ensure there is always someone available to listen when a child or young person needs to talk.

A spokesperson for the organisation commented: "You don’t actually have to live by the coast to participate in this beneficial endeavour for body and soul: any open water location will do for your swims, dips or paddles."

"Childline will also be hosting pop-up swim events throughout September if you’d like to take the plunge with others," she added.

The spokesperson also highlighted the fact that September Sea Swims offer a fantastic opportunity to nurture your mental and physical health while supporting the wellbeing of children and young people. 

All funds raised through the swims will go directly to Childline.

Ms O'Byrne, who founded the Original Lobster wetsuit company, said signing up for the September Sea Swims had a number of benefits including physical, mental and emotional.

“Sea swimming is a way to connect not only with nature, but with yourself,” she said.

“When you're in the water, all of the outside problems don't seem so bad," she added.

Ms O'Byrne went on to comment: "It's my favourite way to decompress and be in the moment. It also brings people together and creates a sense of community."

"That's why I've decided to take part in this challenge while also raising money for a fantastic charity," she said.

Psychologist and author, Allison Keating also signed up for September Sea Swims. 

She firmly believes that the refreshing reset offered sea swimming has multiple benefits for body and soul. 

“Sea swimming is an incredibly immersive and totally free experience that reconnects you with your body, while calming and reinvigorating your mind," she said.

"It gets you out of your head and back into your body, with stress-relieving benefits that last long after your dip," she added.

Anyone in County Waterford who wishes to participate in the Sea Swims for Childline can do so by registering online and sign up to do 10 swims whenever they want throughout the month.

 It’s very straightforward to join Lara and Allison in September Sea Swims for Childline. Simply sign up to do 10 swims whenever you want throughout the month. You can do it as a solo challenge or with a group of friends.

Each participant should register individually at https://septemberseaswim.com/ to receive their fundraising pack and be eligible for a prize draw to win an Original Lobster wetsuit.