New Year resolutions have faded into the background. Spring has come and Summer is just around the corner, the annual prepping and launching of the RIB is fast approaching, but more importantly the fitness of divers is in each club Dive Officers mind!

So what better way to get water fit in time for the dive season than by competing in the annual St Patricks Day Swim off Dalkey Island?

On the 17th of March, Marlin Sub Aqua in conjunction with CFT will be hosting this years event from Coliemore Harbour, Dalkey, Co. Dublin.

We all rely on the RNLI as lifesavers and the Paddys Day snorkel is our way of supporting this very worthy cause. So there will be sponsor cards and a link to a charity donation site from the CFT and Marlin website, for those that do not have time to seek sponsorship you will be able to sign up on the day at a cost of 10e or for those that are flush 15e! All money will be donated to the RNLI.

We have a number of great prizes to award raffle winners:

• 1st Prize 42″ Samsung HD LCD TV
• Dive Computer from Aquaholics
• SEA QUEST PACIFICA BCD from Marlin SAC
• Monty Hall Great Escape Trillogy DVD
• Ocean Addicts 50 Euro Voucher
• Two 50 Euro vouchers for Lambay Diving
• Robinhood Watersports 150 GBP off any Robinhood made to measure drysuit plus a Robinhood document folder and mesh kit bag.
• Viking Marine -Beaver back Up dive torch
• Broadhaven Bay Hotel, Belmullet, Co Mayo – Voucher for 2 nights B&B for Two People
• Irish Whale & Dolphin Group – €50 Certificate which includes trip on Charlie Haughys Yacht the Celtic ist

There is something to keep everyone interested whether you be a land lubber or wanna-be seal!!! From the telescope above the harbour you will see neoprene clad swimmers make their way around the island but while the swimmers are busy you can keep an eye out for our new resident Dublin Bay dolphins!

There will be a number of RIBs providing cover, so if the new years fitness regime has not kicked in, help will not be far away. Once the swimmers have passed the last corner I am sure the land lubbers cheers will be loud and clear spurring each swimmer on. A prize will be available for the best dressed swimmer, showing their Irish Pride… so dust of the Leprechaun outfit and stretch your green Speedos a little.

Once finished, come back to the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club, for some warm refreshments and the award ceremony for the Anne Burrows trophy. If the luck of the Irish is strong in you, then you might have some joy at one of the many raffle prizes that we have to give away.

Anyone that would like to donate a spot prize for the raffle, please feel free to email info@marlinsubaqua.ie

If you would like to donate money before hand, please click on the below link to be directed to a secure payment site.

If you would like to donate money before hand, please click on the below link to be directed to a secure payment site.

http://www.mycharity.ie/event/paddys_day_swim/

So come one and all to participate or cheer on the St Patricks Day Swim.

More details to follow