Round Ireland swimmer Darragh Morgan will be keynote speaker at Swim Ireland’s first conference on open water swimming.
The conference will take place on May 23rd in Athlone’s Hodson Bay Hotel, Co Westmeath.
The conference aims to bring together “swimmers, coaches, and enthusiasts for a day of insight, innovation, and collaboration in the world of open water swimming”, Swim Ireland says.
It says that Morgan will speak about his journey of swimming around Ireland last year, completing the first-ever tidal-assisted stage swim around the entire island of Ireland, covering over 1,500km.
Themes covered at the conference will include water safety and the fact that open water is unpredictable.
“Designed for swimmers, and coaches, this presentation focuses on building a strong safety culture within the open water community,”it says.
“Leave No Trace - Protecting the Waters We Swim In” is the title of another session, as open water swimming depends on healthy ecosystems.
The conference will have a practical session for coaches and swimmers on Lough Ree in the afternoon.
“ For coaches, it’s a chance to learn new practices, and for swimmers an opportunity for a session led by some of our experienced Swim Ireland open water coaches,”it says.
The conference on May 23rd from 10am to 4pm is open to open water swimmers (recreational & competitive), swim coaches, triathletes and sports development staff
Cost: €49 per person and booking can be made here
