If you are organising a charity swim event, you have a responsibility to ensure adequate water safety measures are in place, to reduce the possible risks to attendees. Water Safety Ireland provides guidelines for a number of charity swim types including charity dips, swims up to 3km and swims over 4km.

Organisers should also be aware of the following:

  • It is appropriate to inform local Gardaí about the event.
  • An application to the local authority may be required for permission to access the location.

Charity Dip

Examples: Christmas Day/ New Year’s Day swim

  • 2 fully qualified Lifeguards (with first aid kits)
  • Coastguard should be notified

A Swim Up To 3 Kilometres

  • Kayak/ Paddle Board for every 12 participants
  • Plus 1 suitable Motor Craft for 50 participants – to lift any participant who gets into difficulty
  • First Aid provision
  • Coastguard needs to be notified
  • Tow Floats are recommended for each swimmer

Swim From 4 Kilometres Up

  • Kayak/Paddle Board with each participant
  • Plus 1 suitable Motor Craft for 10 participants
  • First Aid provision
  • Coastguard needs to be notified
  • Tow Floats are recommended for each swimmer

Suitable Craft: Motor Craft with prop guard/Jet Ski with qualified personnel.

EAP: Organisers should have an Emergency Action Plan.

Videos

Open Water Swimming – What’s The Attraction?

Swimmers and dippers speak to feelings of health, happiness and peace of mind. Safety is always their priority.

Open Water Swimming Part 1 of 3 – Preparation

Open water swimmer Dee Newell, takes you through her pre-swim routine so that you know how to prepare for a safe and enjoyable dip.

Open Water Swimming Part 2 of 3 – Your Swim

In the second of our open water swimming video series, Dee Newell discusses how to manage your swim so that you get the best experience while always remaining safe.

Open Water Swimming Part 3 of 3 – Getting Out

Once you finish your swim and exit onto dryland, it is important to follow some key safety steps. Dee Newell shares her after-swim practices to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience.