ATHLONE SUB AQUA CLUB - BAY TO THE BBQ
WOW!!
On Sunday 26th of September 2021 Athlone Sub Aqua Club held a fundraiser swim called BAY TO THE BBQ. The swim was to raise vital funds to secure a new SEARCH AND RECOVERY vessel for Athlone and surrounding waterways.
HOW WAS IT POSSIBLE?
WATER BASED.
Over 80 people took part for on water safety. This included - Support vessels, Safety RIBs, Jet Skis, Kayakers, Snorkelers, Divers, Onboard Paramedic, Lough Ree RNLI Lifeboat.
ONSHORE.
Countless of people in the background - Start team coordinators, Finish team coordinators, Order of Malta ambulance. VHF Radio control with each base.
WHO TOOK PART?
100 Swimmers braved the water with a South Wind sweeping into their face. The swim catered for all different abilities as the course was broken into three stages.
6KM - Hodson Bay - Athlone Castle.
3KM - Lough Ree Yacht Club - Athlone Castle
1km - Golden mile (No1) - Athlone Castle
HOW WAS MONEY RAISED?
Each swimmer set up their own sponsorship via www.idonate.ie/baytothebbq
Every safety personnel/organisation sponsored their own time, vessels and fuel for the occasion.
GREAT SUCCESS!
The swim was a massive success. After a difficult 2 years for everybody with the pandemic effecting all of our lives. We seen various different backgrounds relating to our waterways pull together for such a great cause. The safety team on the day were immense with every stretch of water covered to ensure the safety of every swimmer taking part.
The swimmers - What an achievement! To swim part of Lough Ree and the River Shannon down into Athlone Town, raising funds and awareness of Athlone Sub Aqua Club is something to be proud off.
Well done to the committee for organizing such a well run event. We personally (The Hot Tub Boat) were delighted to be asked to take part as a Support Vessel.
Looking forward to see the new Search and Recovery boat launch on the water, knowing that this was only possible by the support of the community.
The Hot Tub Boat.
Finish line - Great support at the quay wall in Athlone.