The spirit of community was alive and well in West Waterford on Saturday as a record-breaking 117 swimmers took to the water for the 30th annual Helvick Head RNLI Swim, raising vital funds for the lifesaving work of the RNLI.
Bathed in glorious sunshine, the milestone event brought together swimmers, volunteers, supporters and local businesses in a celebration of community, tradition and generosity. While the swimmers were the stars of the show, organisers were keen to emphasise that the success of the day was down to the efforts of a huge team of volunteers working behind the scenes.
Volunteers at Helvick Head RNLI Swim
From the early-morning registration teams and bag collection volunteers to the support crews on ribs and kayaks accompanying swimmers on the water, every aspect of the event relied on people generously giving their time. Hundreds also gathered at Ballinacourty for the start and later at Helvick Lifeboat Station, where a warm welcome awaited participants and supporters alike.
Visitors enjoyed teas, coffees, sandwiches, sweet treats and the ever-popular burgers fresh from the BBQ, while volunteers kept souvenir stalls running, sold raffle tickets and ensured everyone was looked after throughout the day.
Entertainment also played a big part in the celebrations. Dungarvan Brass Band continued its long-standing association with the swim, providing music in Ballinacourty before the event, while DJ Shasby kept spirits high and crowds entertained at the finish line in Helvick.
Achievements at the Helvick Head RNLI Swim
Among the many achievements celebrated on the day was a special milestone for Darren O’Droma, who completed his 30th Helvick Swim. As one of the original organisers of the event, Darren has been part of the swim’s journey since its inception and his dedication was warmly acknowledged by organisers and participants alike.
The organising committee extended its gratitude to Civil Defence for their assistance and to the many local businesses whose support helped make the event possible.
Reflecting on another successful year, organisers said the event simply would not happen without the backing of the wider community.
“Helvick Head Lifeboat’s recent annual Helvick Swim went ahead on Saturday with a record number of 117 swimmers participating. The weather was glorious and we would like to thank everybody that contributed to the event in any way,” they said.
“From the swimmers who raised sponsorship, the support craft of ribs and kayakers, the crew and other volunteers involved in registration, bag collection and return after the swim, everybody played their part. We would especially like to thank our volunteers on the day selling raffle tickets, tending to the souvenir stalls, looking after refreshments and the hard-working BBQ crew.”
Looking ahead, organisers are already excited about the future of an event that has become a treasured fixture in the West Waterford calendar.
This is particularly poignant and uplifting considering last year the organising committee attempted to organise the event no fewer than five times. This year, while the event was moved from Sunday to Saturday due to strong sea conditions forecasted, it went ahead as a complete success. The committee are already looking ahead to next year.
As the Helvick Head RNLI Swim marks its 30th year, it continues to demonstrate what can be achieved when a community comes together for a worthy cause. With record participation, fantastic support and an army of volunteers behind it, the event remains a shining example of local people helping to support a service that helps others when they need it most.
The committee concluded by thanking the communities of Dungarvan, An Rinn and West Waterford for their ongoing support, adding: “Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.”
