We will look back on Summer 2023 as one in which DESC became involved with – or totally absorbed - by new initiatives! Sanctuary Swimmers was amazing. Initially it was a partnership between Sanctuary Runners, Waterford Sports Partnership, Swim Ireland and DESC.

Phase 1 was so successful that we decided to run a second in partnership with Waterford Sports Partnership. It concluded in mid September. We had a great day of certificate presentations by the Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford Jody Power and supported by Councillor David Daniels.

That initiative was truly international with a lovely mix of International Protection Applicants, Ukrainian members of our Dunmore East and Waterford community and local people. In all we had 8 nationalities represented! We found we had so much in common and friendships were formed. We braved all sorts of weather and got the job done – we taught this lovely group to swim!

With the support of HSE/Lottery funding we ran a first programme for over 55s and this booked out quickly. Four classes resulted in more women participating in sea swimming!

We’ll be back next year!