It’s not a glamorous job, but nothing works in our open water swimming world without volunteers.  Whether it’s the crew for a top marathon swimmer (“There’s no such thing as a solo swim”) or the many helpers we get each year for the RNLI swim, the volunteers make it happen.

Sometimes it’s an eye-opener what has to be done behind the scenes – Gary and Peter Frost didn’t know that between the start in Myrtleville and arrival of the first swimmer in Church Bay, 101 sets of gear had to be carried down the Church Bay slope to the beach.   It’s a busy twenty minutes. Good training for them both and great help from Peter and several others as Mr. Middleton unloaded the Centra van 🙂

So, here’s some pics of the volunteers rather than the participants – thanks to you all and apologies to any I can’t include.  First up, Yvette McKeown and Kate Heslin (and some guy photobombing them).

Yvette McKeown and Kate Heslin.

The flotilla of safety boats and kayaks is unrivalled.  We don’t have pics of them all, but thanks to every one of them.  That rubber boat looks like it might need rescuing too!

Paddy Kayak – master of Funkytown and a much-appreciated supporter of the swim every year with his big team of kayakers.

Mike – regular swim supporter through the year in Myrtleville. With some guy.

Antoinette: swapped timekeeping duties this year for more hands-on support. Lovely picture!

We had three new timekeepers this year.   It was a baptism of fire for them.  Without chip timing, this job is tough going for the 30 minutes or so it lasts.  Great work by all, led by Yvette, whose previous experience was invaluable on Saturday.

Timekeeping team – Yvette McKeown, Claire Canning, Aisling Barry, Gary Frost & Peter Frost. It’s a tough job and they did it!

Thanks to Audrey Burkley for insisting on taking this last picture.  It’s not often the three of us get into one pic and never before so colour co-ordinated.  He’ll hate this, but the event wouldn’t run at all without Bernard’s organisation and management. He’s the man!

If you’re available to give some time for any swim – volunteer. Take a day out from competing yourself.  It’s worth it, it gives you a very different perspective on swimming and the organisers will be grateful!