High winds and heavy swells in Galway Bay see Ireland's longest long distance swim called off just one hour after it commenced.
The starting point for the swim, which is organised by the University College Galway (UCG) Swimming Club was at Aughnish, County Clare, with the finish line at Palmer's Rock, Salthill, a distance of approximately eleven kilometres.
This is the second Galway Bay Swim. Last year's inaugural swim was one of the events held to mark Galway's Quincentennial Year.
The event has attracted much local interest, with thirty two competitors coming from all parts of the island of Ireland, as well as England and Scotland. It is the longest long distance swim in the country.
In order to ensure the swimmers' safety, each one is accompanied by a canoeist who monitors their progress.
Good conditions prevailed at the starting point, but a sudden change in weather saw winds of gale force seven blew up over Galway Bay one hour later, and the swim had to be cancelled. All twenty three swimmers were removed from the water. All competitors and volunteers involved in the event made it back to shore safely.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 24 August 1985. This report has natural sound only.
