Portstewart Duck Dive Festival returns this Paddy's Day

The Portstewart Duck Dive Festival will return this St Patrick's Day to raise funds for The Community Rescue Service (CRS).

The unique event involves brave volunteers taking a dive into cold water to promote a good cause as well as a host of other activities.

Chairman of the Duck Dive Committee, Chris Irwin, said he is thrilled to see the event return for its second year in the new format.

“This is a wonderful event in the North Coast’s calendar made possible by generous sponsors, specifically Villas on the promenade, and eager participants,” he said.

“The fun starts at 1pm, registration and Irish Dancers, the Duck Dive starts at 2pm and the after event including prizes, a raffle and free Irish stew starts from 3.30pm at Villas.

“Hundreds of people attended last year and had a fabulous day. All funds raised go toward our nominated charity, The Community Rescue Service. A volunteer search and rescue organisation who look for people in crisis, 24/7, 365. They have affected thousands of lives since their inception and we are only too glad to help in any way possible.’

A representative of the CRS said it is delighted to be involved in the Duck Dive for the second year in a row.

“This amazing event brings together hardy souls dipping themselves into the water for charity. The CRS is a volunteer search and rescue charity operating across Northern Ireland,” they said.

The CRS commonly search for dementia patients, children, people in crisis, those contemplating suicide or those who have already suicided.

“We are a Lowland Rescue organisation for all of Northern Ireland and we provide search and rescue to search for high-risk, vulnerable, missing members of our communities,” they said.

“In January this year alone, the CRS were called out 40 times to search for people in crisis, 205 times in 2022.

“Currently, the CRS relies entirely on generous individuals, generous businesses and the occasional grant to fund our services. So to have the Duck Dive in our diary is a tremendous boost to us. Please come along and cheer on all those involved.”