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Dip At Dawn – Winter Solstice

FRIDAY 22ND DECEMBER

Salthill Beach (opposite Galway Bay Hotel)

8:20 am to 9:30

Sunrise: 8:43 am

 Enjoy a refreshing dip at Salthill Beach and a heavenly hot drink courtesy of Galway’s newest barista bus, 79G!

Online registration is now closed. You can still register in person on the morning of the event until 8:30am.

Water Safety Information

Visit Water Safety Ireland’s website to learn about open water swimming.

https://watersafety.ie/open-water-swimming/

Dip at Dawn brings us together as a community in support of those affected homelessness here in the West. It gives us the opportunity to celebrate this scared time, to unite body and mind with sand and sea and be thankful for the brighter days to come.

Why Take the Challenge?

  1. You will feel AH-MAZING! – sea swimming (and dipping!) are renowned for their benefits to your mental health and wellbeing.
  2. The first 200 people who register will receive a free Galway Simon beanie.
  3. To help us to continue to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community and their right to security, dignity and wellbeing in their homes. The funds raised from this event go directly to our HomelessnessPrevention, Housing, Health and Wellbeing services in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

FAQ’s

Where do I park?

The Prom in Salthill.

What do I need to bring with me on the morning?

Warm loose clothes – layering your clothes can help keep you warm both before and after your dip. Wearing loose clothing will make it much easier to get dressed after your dip.

Swimwear – wear your swimwear under your clothes to the event so you can comfortably and quickly strip and dip!

Something to stand on – the sand will be incredibly cold and wet. A mat to stand on as you get changed will provide that little bit of extra comfort on the day. You can also place your gear on it to keep it dry while you dip.

Towel/towel robe – towel robes are super convenient for changing after your dip but a large towel can also make it that little bit easier to get changed with ease and grace.

Hot water bottle – a hot water bottle is a tremendous tool to bring warmth and circulation back into your body. Wrap your towel around it before you dip so you have a lovely warm towel to dry off with after your dip. Once dressed you can place it in between your jumper and your jacket to help keep you snug and warm.

Raincoat/waterproof jacket – the one thing we can count on here in Galway is the rain! This is an outdoor event so please wear suitable outdoor clothing. A raincoat or waterproof jacket can also be placed over your towel and clothes to keep them dry while you dip.

What will happen on the morning of the event?

The running order of activities for the morning is as follows:

08:20   Arrive at Salthill beach, register and collect beanie

08:30   Welcome & briefing

08:43   Sunrise – Dip at Dawn

08:55   Tea/Coffee

09:30   End

How do I warm up after my dip?

Watch this video to learn about key safety steps to follow once you finish your dip and exit onto dryland. Dee Newell shares her after-swim practices to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Are there toilets/changing rooms available at Salthill beach?

Yes, there are public toilets and there is an open changing area for participants at the beach.

Will there be lifeguards on the beach?

Yes, there will be two lifeguards – one on the beach and one in the water.

Weather advice

Whether there is hail, rain or shine the Dip at Dawn will go ahead on Friday, December 22nd.

Weather Warning

Your safety is our top priority.

In the event of a weather warning issued by Met Eireann the event will be cancelled and rescheduled in the new year.

As this is a charity event tickets are non-refundable.

Other Questions

Please call the fundraising team on 091381828 during working hours.