RNLI Helvick Head lifeboat station is making final preparations for the 29th Annual RNLI Helvick Swim & BBQ on Sunday, June 30th. The event will feature a variety of family-friendly activities, such as a dog show, live music, the “King & Queen of Helvick” contest, a raffle, refreshments, and a burger cookout. From 12 pm onwards, the lifeboat station at Helvick will be bustling with families and onlookers.
The RNLI Helvick Swim is a family-friendly, community fundraiser event. Swimmers can choose to swim 4km or 2km along a marked course in Dungarvan Bay, finishing at Helvick Pier to a cheering crowd. Instead of a signup fee, participants are requested to fundraise for the event by accepting sponsorship from within their own network of contacts. Registrations for the swim this year filled quickly, and are now closed.
“With the spectacle of open water swimmers crossing Dungarvan Bay, finishing on the slipway at the lifeboat station to the cheers of their friends and family, and cookout atmosphere – the excitement of the day is very unique,” said Kevin O’Morchoe, Honorary Chairman of the RNLI Helvick Head Fundraising Committee. “To be so well supported by the local community after all these years, while raising vital funds for the lifeboats, is something that everyone can be enormously proud of.”
Highlights of the Event:
- Thrilling Swim Challenge: Swimmers will take to the water at 12:15pm, embarking on a challenging open water swim across Dungarvan Bay from Ballinacourty to Helvick. Come and witness their incredible determination as they complete the long swim and make a triumphant arrival at the pier.
- Dog Show by South East Scrufts: There will be a dog show at 2:30pm with prizes for the selected dogs.
- King & Queen of Helvick Competition: The event will also feature the prestigious “King & Queen of Helvick” competition, where participants will compete in an exciting series of challenges to claim the crown. Who will emerge as the ultimate King and Queen of Helvick this year?
- Musical Delight: Get ready to tap your feet to the tunes of the Dungarvan Brass Band, who will be treating us to lively melodies .
- Burger Cookout: Savor our tasty burgers that will satisfy every craving.
- Raffle: Tickets cost €3 each or 2 for €5 and can be purchased from volunteers. Prizes include 1 night mid week B&B for 2 people at the Cliff House Hotel, Designer Sunglasses sponsored by I Eye Opticians, 4 Ball and Carvery at the Gold Coast Resort, Glamping with Nire Valley Glamping, €100 Gift Voucher at Forde’s Daybreak Dungarvan, Double Seaweed Bath at Solás na Mara, and a voucher for Iasc Seafood Restaurant, Dungarvan.
The event has grown enormously in popularity over the years and has become a huge community event, attracting swimmers and visitors to Helvick in the Waterford Gaeltacht on the mouth of Dungarvan Bay from all over Ireland and beyond.
Proceeds from this event directly fund operations at the RNLI.
More information about the event can be found on rnlihelvickswim.ie
ATTACHED MEDIA:
![Poster for the 29th Annual RNLI Helvick Swim - 2024](https://rnlihelvickswim.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Helvick-Swim-2024-Poster-RGB-final_web.jpg)