Why not enjoy a Christmas swim this year

TRALEE Bay Swimming Club is proud to host its 68th Annual Christmas Day Swim in Fenit. This popular event is in aid of RNLI Fenit Lifeboats and is an enjoyable occasion. The swim takes place at 12 noon when swimmers begin their traditional rendition of ‘Jingle Bells’ after which Santa sounds the bell for the first of three dashes into the water.

The Fenit Christmas swim is one of the oldest in the country and is the largest in Kerry with upwards of 800 swimmers turning out on – not including the throngs of family members and friends who turn out to cheer them on!

“It’s an occasion that never disappoints,” said Kevin Williams. “The Lifeboat crews will be there again collecting and supplying plenty of hot tea, coffee and soup so please give generously. They will also be in the water for your safety. We would ask that you arrive early and park sensibly. Parking will be at a premium and you may have to walk a little, but it’s worth it,” he added.

Here are some safety guidelines to note: arrive in plenty of time; wear your swimwear under your clothes; stay dressed and warm until the last minute; it’s advisable to wear footwear to avoid cutting your feet on the stones; do NOT dive directly into the water. Wet your face first and gradually lower yourself in; get dried and put on layers of warm clothes and a hat as quickly as possible and get a hot drink; avoid alcohol completely before the swim and afterwards for at least a half an hour until you are warm. Alcohol will interfere with the warming up process and can react badly to cold shock. You can also check out Tralee Bay Swimming Club’s ‘12 Swims of Christmas’. Now in its fourth year, it takes place over 12 days during Christmas, starting on Saturday, December 21 and continuing up to Saturday, January 4. This is a great challenge and great craic! See you there.

For more details and info check out Tralee Bay Swimming Club’s Facebook page.