Volunteers at Kinsale RNLI were delighted to receive a generous donation of €5,044 from local Sandycove Island Swim Club, after club members vowed to match public donations with funding from their own resources. The club boasts an impressive 20 English Channel solo swimmers among its membership, along with a hardy band of ‘just dipping’ newcomers introduced to the joys of open water swimming during the Covid-19 lockdown. Kinsale RNLI boat crew member Colum O’Sullivan, himself a Sandycove Swimmer, said: "The public response was superb and reflects the importance of the RNLI in every coastal community around Ireland. As we head into the Bank Holiday weekend, we urge everyone to follow the Sandycove Swimmers and adhere to the safety guidelines issued by the RNLI and the Irish Coast Guard :
• Never swim alone
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return
• Check the weather and tides and familiarise yourself with local currents
• Carry a reliable means of communication in a waterproof pouch.

We would also like to thank Cork County Council for maintaining great
public amenities like Sandycove, and while we do follow all safety
advice, it’s reassuring to know that the RNLI and other emergency
services are on call 24/7 over what will be a very busy Bank Holiday
weekend."

Kinsale RNLI volunteer Colum O’Sullivan accepts a donation of €5044 from Riana Parsons of the Sandycove Island Swim Club.