Kayak clubs provide safety cover for 600 swimmers

THE Poulaphouca Paddlers provided rescue cover at the open water swim held at Glendalough on Saturday and Sunday alongside Balto Kayak Club.

The Paddlers were just recently renamed having been initially known as Lacken Kayak Club.

Donal O’Brien was the coordinator for the Poulaphouca Paddlers, while Chris O’Loan led the Balto Kayak Club.

‘Normally kayaking is not permitted on this lake so there was no problem getting an experienced and dedicated crew together,’ said Donal.

There is already strong relationship between the two clubs after they both held a massive heatwave party earlier this summer involving 50 junior members out on the water.

The joint safety and rescue team provided safety for over 600 swimmers across three events in Glendalough. Conditions were a little challenging with wind picking up on Sunday and keeping the kayakers busy.

Poulaphouca Paddlers relocated to Rus- selstown Bay beside Russborough House at the start of the summer season. They have operated on the Poulaphouca Reservoir for over ten years and now no longer operate from Lacken. Club membership has exploded over the summer months.

Orlagh Deegan, secretary of the club, said: ‘Membership has grown because of a combination of the heat wave and a more accessible location.

Explaining her reason for joining, new member Melissa Fisher said: ‘it’s such an addictive sport I cant believe there are not more adults in the club’.

The next big adventures for the club are Junior Paddlefest Weekend in Rathdrum for Under-18 members and Cranfest in Buncrana, County Donegal for the adult section of the club in October. . New adult members will also be made feel welcome. If you are interested in joining contact Orlagh on (087) 6441174 or email poulaphucapaddlers@gmail.com.