A total of 149 solo and relay swimmers gathered for the 21st annual Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim on Saturday, July 18.
Swimmers battled strong northerly winds to complete the demanding 13km crossing of Galway Bay in aid of Cancer Care West. All participators completed the crossing safely despite it being one of the toughest and physically demanding crossings in the swim's 21-year history.
The swimmers were supported by an extensive network of boats from the local boating community and coordinated safety cover led by Oranmore Maree Coastal Rescue Unit and Galway Bay Boat Tours. Large crowds gathered at Blackrock to cheer the swimmers home, marking another memorable day on Galway Bay for an event that has become a fixture of the local summer calendar.
"Every year this swim asks a huge amount of our participants, and this year's northerly winds tested them more than most," said Dave O'Donnell of Cancer Care West.
"What never wavers is the generosity behind it — the swimmers, the boat crews, the volunteers on the water and the crowds who came out to Blackrock to welcome everyone home. The funds raised go directly toward supporting cancer patients and their families right across our region, and we're enormously grateful to everyone who took part," O'Donnell added.
Those who missed out on this year's swim can still take part by signing up for the annual Virtual Bay Swim, taking place throughout the month of August.
You can sign up at www.galwaybayswim.com
