Traditional Galway Christmas swim cancelled due to ongoing water safety concerns
Organisers of an annual Christmas morning swimming event in Portumna, Co Galway have confirmed the event will not go ahead due to ongoing water safety concerns.
Galway County Council issued a “Do Not Swim” notice at the bathing area of Lough Derg during the summer, citing an overgrowth of aquatic weeds. A red flag was raised at the site and has yet to be lowered, with the closure extended “until further notice.”
Traditionally, locals gather at the waterside on December 25 for a festive dip in aid of charities such as hospice centres. But with the warning still in force, organisers confirmed the event, a fixture since the early 1990s, will not go ahead this year.
They expressed frustration and sadness at the absence of the swim from the calendar, describing it as a blow to a cherished community tradition.
No updated assessments of the water have been published. However, in response to a query from the Irish Independent, Galway County Council said: “In August, following complaints from the public and following assessment and recommendation by the Water Safety Awareness and Development Officer, Galway County Council took the decision to fly the Red Flag at Portumna due to significant water safety concerns.”
“A further assessment is now being arranged to determine the current impact of reeds in the Designated Bathing Area. The results will guide any further actions needed to ensure safe bathing conditions.”
In further correspondence, the council added that works will hopefully achieve Blue Flag status for the bathing waters by 2026.
The Irish Independent reached out to Water Safety Ireland who stated the receipt of a request to carry out a risk assessment on the area. They said they are “progressing arrangements to expedite this” while also appointing a Risk Assessor independently from the local authority request.
When the assessment has been completed by Water Safety Ireland it is provided directly to the relevant local authority.
Local councillor Jimmy McClearn warned on Galway Bay FM last week that “time is running out” for any chance of the swim proceeding, calling it a “pity” to see such a “long-running tradition” fall by the wayside.