Almost Home Sea Swimming

Please read our safety briefing

This is an exciting event aimed at raising much-needed funds for the animals in our care. However, please read the following safety information and confirm that you understand it before proceeding.

We will be joined by Safer Waters volunteers who are first aid trained, and will be providing safety boat cover. If a Safer Waters volunteer asks you to exit the water, please adhere to this, their word is final.

We recommend that you wear a brightly coloured hat and tow float. This increases visibility for our safety team.

When entering the water, take your time. Water shoes are encouraged as it can be rocky particularly if you do not swim here regularly. You may wish to wear other equipment such as swim socks, gloves or a wet suit, but it is your decision and will depend on your experience and
comfort level.

There is no route or race, and we ask that you do not swim past the safety boat or markers. If you are more experienced and wish to swim for longer, that is great. If this is something you do not do regularly, please exit the water after 15-20 minutes (or less).

The risk of a jellyfish sting is relatively low in Helen’s Bay, however, Safer Waters volunteers have a kit should it be required. Contact a volunteer if this happens, and try to keep the affected area in the salt water.

If, during the swim or afterwards, you feel unwell, please speak to a SW volunteer, or an Almost Home volunteer who can fetch someone. We will make sure you get the help you need.

Once you exit the water, please dry and change quickly, and see the volunteers at the refreshment table for teas, coffees and treats.

Almost Home and Safer Waters are taking all appropriate safety measures, however, you are swimming at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety.

The swim can still go ahead if there is light wind or rain. In the unlikely event of adverse weather, the swim will be cancelled due to safety concerns. If this happens, the £10 registration fee will be treated as a donation and is non-refundable.

There is a small car park at Helen’s Bay, with toilets. There is a larger car park at Crawfordsburn Country Park/Beach so you may wish to park there and walk through to Helen’s Bay. Please show consideration to residents when parking, and ensure you take all of your belongings with you when exiting the beach.  Almost Home has DAERA’s permission to run this event. Please respect the beach by leaving no trace.

When you arrive at Helen’s Bay you will see the registration desk. Once you have registered, please get changed to enter the water. We will have a short safety briefing before entering the water at 10.30.