ACROSS Donegal, hundreds of brave souls will plunge into the icy sea today for a series of traditional New Year’s Day swims, all in support of worthy causes.
In west Donegal, the annual New Year’s Day Swim at Magheragallon will take place at 2pm, with all donations going to the Gaoth Dobhair Day Care Centre in Derrybeg. Not far away, swimmers will also gather at the Boat Strand in An Charraig Fhinne for the seventh annual Gemma’s Legacy of Hope dip.
Participants can take part at any time throughout the day, with donation boxes available at the pier to support the charity’s ongoing work. In Culdaff, the popular New Year’s Day swim promises a warm welcome after the cold plunge.
Brave swimmers can look forward to hot soup, tea, food and live music afterwards at McGrory’s, making it a social highlight of the holiday season. One of the longest-running events takes place at Marble Hill Beach, Dunfanaghy, where the Doe Amateur Swimming Club will host its 48th New Year’s Day Swim at 2pm.
The event raises vital funds for the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, which supports individuals with additional needs and their families across Donegal.
Organisers are encouraging everyone to take part, whether swimming, supporting from the shore or cheering on participants.
In Fanad, the traditional New Year’s Day swim at Ballyhiernan Bay (Dins Shore) continues a tradition of more than 25 years, kicking off at 2pm.
Funds raised will support both Pieta House and the Don Bosco Educational Projects in South Africa, which help provide education, food and care to vulnerable children.
Elsewhere, Rathmullan’s annual swim will take place at 12 noon, raising funds for Rathmullan First Responders and the Brownknowe National School parents’ association, while Mountcharles swimmers will gather at the pier at 11am to support the RNLI.
Meanwhile, in Newtowncunningham, Peter’s Bar continues its long-running New Year’s Day dip in aid of the Donegal Hospice.
ADVICE
Ahead of today’s swims, Bundoran RNLI offered the following safety advice.
“If you’re thinking about a winter swim or dip, a bit of preparation can make all the difference,” a spokesperson said.
“Check the weather, tides and sea conditions before you go.
“Take warm clothes, a hot drink and a phone in a waterproof pouch.
“Never swim alone, go with somebody you trust and choose a familiar spot.
“Ideally, let someone else know your plans and better still go to a pre-organised event.”
They advised swimmers to enter the water gradually and take it easy.
“Go in slowly, do not jump in.
“Walk in, let your breathing settle and only swim when you feel in control and comfortable. Make yourself easy to spot by wearing a brightly coloured cap, and consider using a tow float.”
Swimmers are urged to stay within their limits, to swim parallel to the shore and to know when it’s time to get out.
“If you get into difficulty, remember ‘float to live’,” a spokesperson advised.
“And if you, or somebody else needs help, please immediately dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”
