Swim Ulster's 'Get Wet Stay Safe' Roadshows kicks off in Ballyronan

On January 19, Ballyronan will host the first session of the “Get Wet Stay Safe” Roadshows initiative by Swim Ulster.
From January to the end of March, a total of eight sessions will be available to open water swimmers, stand-up paddling boarding, and sit on Kayaking to better understand how to stay safe in cold water.
The aim is to ensure the safety of open-water swimmers for all those planning to enjoy the cold water during the winter season.
Each session will be conducted by a qualified and experienced open-water swimming coach.
Free to adults over 18 years old, the roadshow explores two main elements of wild swimming by focusing on the theoretical aspects of the Get Wet Stay Safe (GWSS) programme.
The training will start with land-based safety training and then move to explanations about open water and water-based safety skills.
The topics covered will include dynamic risk assessment, water safety code, flags and signage, equipment suggestions, float to live position, cold water shock/hypothermia, and wind, waves, tides & currents.
Since May 2022, over 700 persons have attended free events to better understand the benefits and risks of swimming in cold water.
As this is only a theoretical lesson, there will be no open-water swimming activities during these sessions.
However, for those seeking a more hands-on learning experience, practical sessions will be available from May.
Funded by Sport NI, multiple sessions are available throughout the country such as in Ballyronan, Portballintrae, Cushendun, and Ballygally amongst others.
Persons attending the sessions will also receive a free silicone swim cap and tow float so they can use this equipment long-term when open water swimming.
Register through the following link for the session in Ballyronan, in County Derry -
form.jotform.com/swimulster/GWSSRoadshowBallyronan19thJanuary24