Myrtleville swimmers say yes buoy!
Things are going swimmingly in Myrtleville after a new swim circuit was installed at sea recently.
The 1350 metre circuit is made up a series of large yellow swim distance markers which the public can use to safely enjoy the serine waters surrounding the seaside village.
The circuit is part of the Healthy Ireland Partnership project by the HSE, Cork County Council, Port of Cork and Irish Water Safety, which looks to promote healthy lifestyle and facilitate physical activity and well-being in Ireland.
Cllr Seamus McGrath, deputising for County Mayor, Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan, officially launched the project and highlighted the importance of such initiatives.
“As a coastal county we have an enormous asset available for everyone to enjoy. I am confident that the swim markers will encourage existing and new users to get into the water and swim, an activity that is good for mind and body,” he said.
Cllr McGrath thanked Ian Venner, Bernard Lynch and Damian O’Neill who worked on behalf of the local swimming group, Myrtleville Swimmers, using their experience of swimming in the area to assist in the positioning of the buoys.
He also acknowledged Head of Service Health & Wellbeing for the Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, Priscilla Lynch, who developed the initiative as a Healthy Ireland Partnership project.
“Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Health & Wellbeing, connects partners, and collaborates with them to effect change, improving opportunities for safe and enjoyable physical activities. Healthy Ireland makes the healthy choice the easy choice. These swim marker buoys will encourage safer swimming among novice and experienced open water swimmers alike,” she said.
Damian O’Neill of Myrtleville swimmers said: “With hundreds of regular swimmers enjoying Myrtleville from dawn to dusk, these buoys are a fantastic addition to Cork Harbour. The certainty of distance and safety support they offer will encourage many more people to have the confidence to enjoy the health benefits of sea swimming.”
Marie Watson, a distance Open Water Swimmer who swam 18km from Mizen Head to Fastnet Lighthouse in 2018, said: “I’m thrilled with the addition of the buoys and already they have made a hugely positive impact for the swimmers, old and new. The buoys will help our training and encourage and support us all to improve and swim safer and stronger.”
To facilitate the circuit, the Port of Cork Harbourmaster has issued a notice to mariners restricting leisure craft such as jet skis in the buoyed area of Myrtleville beach.