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Tralee Bay Swimming Club will hold its 65th Annual Christmas Swim on Sunday. Launching the swim earlier this month were Frank Ryan , Tom Brosnan , Rose Collins , Declan Crowe , Kevin Williams , Bridget Moore and at the back Michael Slattery. The RNLI crew were Kieran Bolt , Cian O’Donnell and Denise Lynch from Fenit. Photo by Dominick Walsh
SEASONED Christmas Day swimmer, Billy Ryle, is once again requesting the thousands of people, who will be driving to swims at venues all over the county to get fully behind the “Never Ever Drink and Drive campaign of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), www.rsa.ie.
Billy launched the “Dry Christmas Day Swim” campaign last Christmas and was overwhelmed by the positive response from swimmers all over the county.
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An equally determined effort this year to remain alcohol-free if driving to or from the traditional dip, will represent a powerful statement in support of the RSA’s road safety campaign.
Resist the temptation to drink alcoholic before leaving home for the swim says Billy.
“By all means, avail of the hot refreshments at the swim venue but stick to the non-alcoholic drinks if you are driving home,” he said.
“Abstaining from the mulled wine and hot whiskey when you emerge from the freezing water may test your willpower, but it’s important to do so if you’re getting behind the wheel. The Christmas Day swim is all about safely celebrating a special day with a plunge into the icy water.
“It’s a day to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and giddy anticipation as you line up for the charge to the water.”
You can make a huge personal contribution to the “Never Ever Drink and Drive” campaign of the RSA and still stay warm without alcohol by following a few simple swim survival tips:
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*Enjoy a non-alcoholic hot drink before leaving home
*Put on your bathing togs under you clothes at home
*Fill a plastic hot water bottle with warm, not boiling, water
*Wrap your towels around it and place it in your sports bag
*Wear light layers of clothing under a jacket rather than too many heavy garments.
*A hat is vital as most body heat is lost by head exposure to the elements
*Gradually remove the layers of clothing as swim time approaches
*Keep your clothes warm and dry in your sports bag during the swim
*Retain as much body heat as possible before lining up for the charge into the sea
*Be aware that you are plunging into very cold water, so – GET IN, GET OUT, GET WARM!
*Dry off thoroughly and change into warm clothes immediately after the swim
*Pour the warm water in the hot water bottle over your fingers and toes to restore circulation
*Avail of the hot drinks – non-alcoholic if you’re driving home – provided at the venue
*Take a warm shower or bath after returning home, if you still feel cold
*Now enjoy whatever beverage you fancy from the comfort of home
