Aquatic dash makes a splash in Lamlash
A total of 38 hardy swimmers, including 11 locals, braved the cold, grey and drizzly day to take part in the 16th Lamlash Splash last Saturday.
The sea conditions at the Holy Isle start were a bit lumpy but by no means rough, and once the swimmers had passed the halfway stage back to Lamlash Pier, the tide helped to take them in, resulting in some vastly improved times. Also, with the local swimmers having trained in the sea all year round, they were stronger and faster.
Good-natured and friendly rivalry plays an important part among the swimmers with this year’s event being particularly closely fought between the first and second positions in both the male and female categories.
Returning to Lamlash Pier in first place was Niall Paterson in 28 minutes dead, closely followed by the first local male, Rory Hunter, who was only 10 seconds behind him. Alistair Rowlands came in third with a time of 31min 22sec. In the female category, Joanna Nicholson returned home first with a time of 39min 55sec and, once again, was closely followed by Fiona King five seconds later. Ina McMeekin was the third female to return with a time of 42min and 35sec, while the first local female swimmer, Georgina Maclean, finished with a respectable time of 43min and 4sec.
Organiser Ann Hart, who swam in the event herself, said: ‘The safety of the swimmers is paramount so thanks must go to Angus Campbell, lead safety officer for organising the volunteers from the RNLI, the Coastguard, the kayakers from Arran Kayak Club and the many volunteers in the safety boats and RIBs. They are a huge support to the swimmers during the event.
‘Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped out on the shore registering the swimmers, recording results, assisting with catering and generally helping out. It meant that all the Arran swimmers could take part knowing everything was in capable hands on the shore. Also thanks to Andrew at Arran Active, the Holy Isle Ferry, Trish at Brodick Golf Club and Wooleys for their support.
‘Given the inclement weather, it was great to see so many spectators at the pier encouraging and supporting the swimmers as they came in. The event also raised more than £1,000 for the Junior Sailing Club, which is a fantastic result.’ After the event, the Ali Bodie Memorial Plate, which is awarded to the swimmer who has shown the most courage and determination to complete the swim, was awarded to Aileen Clarke by the Heather Queen, Alyssa McGarrie.
Journalist and broadcaster Aileen, a regular visitor to Arran, has completed the mile in Loch Lomond on more than one occasion but found swimming in the sea a completely different and more challenging experience, especially when the conditions were rough. However, she attended a few training sessions to boost her confidence in sea swimming and was determined that she was going to overcome her fears and complete the swim. With the support of kayaker Martin Wood on the day, Aileen completed the swim in under an hour, making her a worthy winner of the plate.
Many of the local swimmers taking part in the annual event are members of the Arran Open Water Swimming Group who meet in Brodick and Lamlash throughout the year. New members are invited to join the group with times and places of sessions available on their Facebook page.