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We are a group of around 40 swimmers who are desperately missing our regular lane swims at the PSLC. So desperate, in fact, that eight of us have decided to take on an extraordinary challenge, swimming approximately 8 kilometres from Lambay Island to Low Rock, Malahide, to raise funds for the pool roof.
We have been swimming together at the PSLC for around 13 years and have seen first-hand how important the pool is to Portmarnock and beyond. Many of us learned to swim there, and now our children are being taught there too. It benefits generations of people, from schoolchildren and AquaFit participants to swimming clubs, triathletes and those for whom swimming is simply part of their daily routine.
Swimming is a life skill, but for many people the pool is also a lifeline. It provides exercise, friendship and routine, as well as the all-important coffee and chats afterwards.
The rest of the group are not getting away with it either. Once the PSLC reopens, they will take on a 5-kilometre pool challenge to add to the fundraising effort.
Please sponsor our eight swimmers, follow their journey and help us reopen the PSLC pool as soon as possible.
From Portmarnock beach to Lambay Island is 9km in one straight line. Our swimmers will likely swim 10km+ due to currents and corrections
Lambay is a private island and we’ve obtained special permissions to land and take pictures of our triumphant swimmers.
The swimmers are targeting September 25 however, due to currents and tides, the challenge could take place anytime between September 25 and October 5. We’ll confirm nearer the time
Our swimmers may need to reverse the journey, starting on Lambay and returning to Portmarnock. This is again due to the tides and currents. Either way, we’ll be there to cheer on our incredible volunteers
The Lambay Challenge Swim Team would like to thank support boat Skipper, Tony and First Mate, Marita, both of whom are lane swim members, for their support in making this happen. Selena from the Tri Club who has been an amazing support throughout the challenge. They keep us safe, on track and motivated to complete the swim.
Although this fundraiser is required to replace the pool roof and restore the facility, it is not simply a swimming pool fundraiser. The pool is a central part of the PSLC and essential to the long-term strength of the entire organisation.
For 45 years, the PSLC has served as a not-for-profit hub for sport, fitness, clubs, activities and social life in Portmarnock and far beyond. Every part of the club supports every other part. Income generated across the facility is reinvested for the benefit of the whole community.
The pool supports the wider PSLC, while padel, tennis, Martello Fitness, the Training Lab, the Southern Cross Bar, Après Coffee Shop, the studios, clubs and social activities all help support the pool. When one part is lost, every part is weakened.
Without a viable pool, the future of the wider PSLC would be at serious risk. This challenge is therefore not only for swimmers. It is for every person who plays a sport, attends a class, joins a club, meets friends or spends time at the PSLC.
Every donation, whatever its size, will help us close the remaining funding gap, reopen the pool and return this vital community facility to its full strength.