Groups of similar ability form at each session so you can swim any distance you like with swimmers of similar ability so you won't be left behind.
The meet and train sessions will take place Mon, Weds & Fri at 7pm, meet up will be in the main beach car park at Rosses Point. We had big turn outs last year and people really enjoyed the swims. All you need to do is turn up nice and simple.
Please be aware that these are not coached sessions and people are all responsible for their own safety. Lifeguards are not yet on duty either.
In consultation with the members we've done this set of Sligo Tri Club swimming guidelines which we'd ask all members to adhere too. One big issue from last year was a number of club members getting into difficulty and needing assistance as they got caught in the channel at deadmans point. Main reason for this was people swimming over to the tidal pool and getting caught up when they thought they were safe. These included experienced swimmers. With that in mind we're asking people not to swim to the pool including the stronger swimmers as the less experienced ones inevitably follow. The club received a number of complaints about this last year and we need to protect our image.
There will be information on the coached sea swims coming shortly, those are seperate to the meet and trains and there will be safety support provided.
If you have any questions on any of that please contact shane_odoherty@yahoo.co.uk
Sligo Triathlon Club Water Safety Guidelines 2011
You're responsible for your own safety at all Tri Club "Meet and Train" Sessions
Don't swim alone, always swim in a group, check that everyone is out afterwards. Appoint one person per group to do the count to avoid confusion.
Swim parallell to the shore in a lifeguard patrolled zone do not swim out to sea
Swim in chest depth water so if you get into difficulty you can stand up, aimed mostly at beginners.
Check local conditions, weather, flags, tides etc before you swim
Get to know the beach, temperature, entry, life buoys, exit, first aid, signs etc...
Wear a brightly coloured swim hat so other water users can see you. Kite surfers, kayakers and windsurfers may find it difficult to see you without one.
A badly fitting wetsuit can fill with water and get a swimmer into difficulty. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS FOR WEAKER LESS EXPERIENCED SWIMMERS.
Don't eat directly before swimming.
Unless you are trained as a rescue lifeguard do not enter the water to attempt to rescue a swimmer in difficulty. This regularly results in two drownings. Get help. See Irish Water Safety website for ways to help someone without getting into the water.
Taken from Irish water Safety Website
