ALL SWIMMING in the same direction for a good cause, over 320 people will participate in this year’s annual Island Swim, all to raise vital funds for domestic abuse support shelter Adapt House.
Olympic level swimmers, accomplished athletes, and beginners alike will take a dip in the Shannon waters cutting through Limerick City in what has become one of the city’s most anticipated community events of the year.
Bookending the age range of this year’s swim will be a brave grandmother/grandson duo aged 11 and 79 looking to make waves in the annual charitable swim.
This year’s Island Swim kicks off from 2pm on September 14, and will see a small navy of safety support vessels including kayaks, jet skis, and boats operated by over 70 volunteers to keep the Shannon swimmers safe on their almost four-kilometre route.
Raising €6,000 last year for various local causes, the Limerick Narwhals, hosts of the annual charity extravaganza, will also provide a BBQ for participants at the Treaty City Brewery on Nicholas Street from 5pm to 8pm after swimmers get back on dry line.
The Island Swim has had a real who’s who of swimming talent join its ranks over the years, including Rachael Lee, the fastest Irish person to cross the English channel, and Marcin Szarpak, a world renowned ice-swimmer.
Speaking after his Shannonside splash, Marcin highlighted one major local landmark as the “cherry on the cake” for the city swim.
“I think that the idea of swimming around the castle (King John’s Castle) is brilliant and the people who came up with this idea should receive appropriate recognition and commemoration,” he said.
“While swimming, I was stunned by the beauty of the city of Limerick, the canal flowing through the city, the beautiful landscape of meadows and forests, the historic bridges under which I had the opportunity to swim, and of course the cherry on the cake – a beautiful castle that could be admired from a completely different perspective.”
While all tickets to take part in this year’s swim were quickly sold out, those interested in donating towards Adapt House or joining in on the post-swim glow at the BBQ can find out more on eventmaster.ie/event/qEm8HP7SQq.
