New Year's Day dip to take place in picturesque part of West Mayo

Achill RNLI is looking forward to this New Year’s Day with plans well advanced to welcome the ever increasing number of people, young and old who come to start their New Year with a brave dip into the Atlantic while supporting the work of the volunteer Lifeboat crew.

The klaxon will sound at 1pm sharp as usual to signal the start of the run into the sea from the beautiful Blue Flag beach at Dugort. It's advised to get there early and comply with the stewards in parking your vehicles and make your way safely to the beach. A ‘warm up’ session led by Pam O’Boyle of PBFitness will take place before the start.

Hot soup and chocolate for participants kindly supplied again by the Walsh family will be provided après swim. In the interest of safety, participants are asked not to stay in the water for too long, to dry off as soon as they come out and to don warm clothing immediately. The local personnel from Order of Malta and the Achill Irish Coast Guard will be on hand to assist if needed.

Achill Island RNLI will also be fondly remembering their recently deceased colleague and friend Michael Edward Lavelle who spearheaded this event every year so diligently since it started over 25 years ago.

Looking forward to seeing many of the regular supporters and their friends and families on the day along with many who will participate for the first time. Après swim sustenance and entertainment will be provided by the nearby Strand Hotel.