SWIMMERS who are wild about dipping their toes into nature are being invited to take part in a project to create safe bathing spots along the River Maigue.
The Maigue Rivers Trust believe that residents living along the river’s catchment should be able to swim in their local waters.
Currently there are no official bathing water designated areas across the rivers of the Maigue, the Trust said, sending out its call for people to help identify “unofficial bathing areas” (wild swimming spots) across the catchment and advocate for official bathing area designation for these sites.
The Trust wants input from anyone who swims in a local river, lake, estuarine, or coastal spot. It has requested the name of the area and geo-reference, any information on how many people use the site, how accessible the site is, and whether there are any safety issues.
Under European and Irish law, the Trust said, local authorities have a responsibility to identify and monitor bathing waters to ensure they meet microbiological standards. They are also required to compile profiles of these sites and any potential pollution risks.
The Trust proposed that a family-friendly safe swimming zone be provided on the Maigue River at Croom Town Park, and have called on people from the area and across the county to support the cause and seek support from local councillors.
Anyone who would like to get in the swim of things with the project is asked to email the Trust on [email protected].
