Thrills and spills guaranteed at the annual Blackwater raft run
TEAMS BUSY GEARING UP FOR THE ANNUAL BLACKWATER RIVER RAFT RUN
A MAGNIFICENT flotilla of weird and wonderful floating machines will once again take to waters of the River Blackwater on Sunday, August 27 for some aquatic fun and frolics. Teams are getting down to the serious business of building crafts of all shapes and sizes for the third annual Blackwater Search and Rescue Raft Run - with plenty of thrills, and in all probability a few spills, along the way.
The run will take place over a 7km course from Ballyhooly to Ashe Quay in Fermoy, with funds raised through the event going towards the annual running costs of the unit and the purchase of a second Zodiac inflatable river rescue boat. Despite the fact that the voluntary unit, part of the Blackwater Sub Aqua club, takes part numerous search and recovery missions across the country each year in conjunction with the emergency services, it still receives no statutory funding. Instead it relies on limited grant aid, the generosity of the public and fundraising events such at the raft run and the annual Christmas fin Swim to help fund its vital work.
Club secretary Ken Barry said that between insurance, fuel and the maintenance and replacement of equipment it costs around €12,000 each year to run the unit. He said that this year the club also hopes to raise an addition €9,000 toward the cost of the new river rescue boat.
“Financing the unit is a constant struggle, but the level support that we continue to receive from the local community has been amazing
“The financial cost of maintaining and upgrading equipment is difficult, but the support that we continually receive from the local community had been second to none,” said Ken. “This has been exemplified through the number of people entering the raft run over the past two-years and the amount of people that come out to support it along the route on the day. We expect this to be repeated again this year, with more than 40 craft taking part,” he added.
Ken said the depth of the water along the course would vary from very shallow to three-metres deep.
“It is a challenging course but people will have plenty of fun along the way. Depending on the river flow it the course could take anywhere from one hour to three hours to complete. Teams should bear in mind their craft will need a shallow draft and a pointed bow to help cut through the water and make the trip less strenuous”, he said. Groups including Civil Defence and the Phoenix Kayak Club will assist with safety on the day, with the ‘Wheelie Boat’ giving spins along the river with music and entertainment along Barnane. Prizes will be up for grabs in various categories including best themed raft, best looking raft at the start and best looking raft at the finish.
For more details and to register for the run contact Ken Barry on 086 1018424.