siblings, Denis McClean, in remarkable athletic achievement, showcase their skills in sea sports at Tramore
In the picturesque coastal town of Tramore, Co. Waterford, 11-year-old Deici Swift made history last month as he became the youngest swimmer to cross Tramore Bay from Brownstown Head to the Guillamene.
Accompanied by his father, Jim Swift, and his grandfather Declan Swift, Deici embarked on the challenging swim at low tide at noon. The first half-hour was calm, but the sea turned choppy thereafter. Deici's determination was fueled by sibling rivalry, with his younger brother Art stating that he swam to prevent Deici from finishing first.
The record-breaking swim was completed in one hour and 21 minutes. However, public records about individuals who have swum since the record time was set in 1931 are not available. It was during that year that a woman named Maisie Bishop also made a successful swim across Tramore Bay, although her destination was Great Newtown Head, where the Metal Man stands.
Jim Swift, a local swimming legend, has swum Tramore Bay around 25 times since the age of 15. His achievements include becoming the first person to circumnavigate Ireland on a paddle board seven years ago and swimming the English Channel when he was 20 years old.
Deici and Art's surf life-saving skills and regular training with the Splashworld Sharks Swimming Club undoubtedly helped them during their swim. Yet, Art managed to beat Deici to the Guillamene, a testament to the competitive spirit that runs in the Swift family.
Despite a previous attempt two years ago that had to be abandoned due to a cold, choppy sea and sea fog, Deici showed resilience and perseverance in his record-breaking swim. Even during the swim, he had to give way to a trawler in the middle of the bay.
Jim Swift offers advice for a successful swim across Tramore Bay: start at low tide when the tide is moving westwards away from Brownstown towards the Metal Man, and swim before the afternoon sun warms the air and the sea becomes choppy.
With their impressive swimming feats, Deici and Art are considered good prospects for the Tramore minor football and hurling teams. As the Swift family continues to make waves in the world of swimming, we can't wait to see what the future holds for these talented young athletes.
