Finding Nemo’s Dory was very clear: “Just keep swimming”. It’s advice that heptathlete Lara O’Byrne would certainly agree with.
Lara, a passionate sea swimmer, was one of the first people to sign up to this year’s September Sea Swims. Now she’s hoping that people throughout the country will join her and make a splash for Childline.
Childline’s September Sea Swims are open to everyone. You don’t actually have to live by the coast to participate in this beneficial endeavour for body and soul: any open water location will do for your swims, dips or paddles.
Childline will also be hosting pop-up swim events throughout September if you’d like to take the plunge with others.
September Sea Swims offer a fantastic opportunity to nurture your mental and physical health while supporting the wellbeing of children and young people. All funds raised will do directly to Childline, Ireland’s only 24/7 listening service, to ensure that there is always someone to listen when a child or young person needs to talk.
For Lara who founded the Original Lobster wetsuit company, signing up for September Sea Swims has physical, mental and emotions benefits. “Sea swimming is a way to connect not only with nature, but with yourself,” she says.
“When you’re in the water, all of the outside problems don’t seem so bad. It’s my favourite way to decompress and be in the moment. It also brings people together and creates a sense of community. That’s why I’ve decided to take part in this challenge while also raising money for a fantastic charity.”
Psychologist and author Allison Keating has also signed up for September Sea Swims. She firmly believes that the refreshing reset offered sea swimming has multiple benefits for body and soul.
“Sea swimming is an incredibly immersive and totally free experience that reconnects you with your body, while calming and reinvigorating your mind. It gets you out of your head and back into your body, with stress-relieving benefits that last long after your dip.”
It’s very straightforward to join Lara and Allison in September Sea Swims for Childline.
Simply sign up to do 10 swims whenever you want throughout the month. You can do it as a solo challenge or with a group of friends.
Each participant should register individually at https://septemberseaswim.com/ to receive their fundraising pack and be eligible for a prize draw to win an Original Lobster wetsuit. They will also receive a fundraising pack.
So go on, dive in and soak up the benefits of swimming for Childline.
