Friday, 25 December
Christmas Day
Blackrock, Salthill
Galway
9am - 1pm
Join us!
Joining us at Blackrock this Christmas? Here's everything you need to know. Taking part elsewhere? You'll find guidance for independent swimmers in our FAQs and Swim Safely page.
Get In, Get Out & Warm Up!
Here are a few simple tips to help you enjoy your Christmas Swim:
Be prepared. Bring a towel, a full change of warm clothes, suitable non-slip footwear and a flask of something warm.
Get in slowly, get out promptly. Ease into the water, stay within your limits and keep your dip short.
Get dry and dressed quickly. Remove wet clothes, wrap up in warm layers and protect yourself from the cold and wind.
Warm up gently. Enjoy a warm drink, keep moving gently if comfortable and give yourself time to warm up properly.
Cold-water swimming carries risks. Never swim alone, and please read our safety guidance before taking part.
Christmas Swim FAQs
Find answers to the most common questions about taking part.
How much does it cost to sign up?
Adult Swim - €25: For one adult aged 18 or over.
Family Swim - €50: For families taking part together, from one adult and one child upwards. There's no fixed limit on family size, and only one adult needs to complete the sign-up.
Can children take part?
Absolutely! Children and families are a big part of the Christmas Swim.
Anyone under 18 must be included in a Family Swim sign-up completed by an adult. Children under 16 must be directly supervised by a responsible adult, while 16–17-year-olds require parent or guardian consent.
Parents and guardians should consider their child's swimming ability, experience and the conditions before taking part.
Do I need to sign up in advance?
We strongly encourage everyone to sign up online before Christmas Day. It helps us plan for the event and ensures you'll receive important event information and safety updates.
There's no formal ticket check-in on Christmas morning.
Do I need to book a swimming time?
Join us at Blackrock any time between 9am and 1pm on Christmas morning and follow the guidance of our event stewards and safety team.
Can I take part somewhere else?
Of course! If you can't make it to Blackrock, you can complete your own independent Christmas Swim any time during December.
Please remember that only the Christmas Day Swim at Blackrock is organised by COPE Galway. Swims elsewhere are not organised or supervised by us, so please plan carefully and follow our safety guidance.
Can I buy Christmas Swim merchandise?
Yes! You can add Christmas Swim merchandise to your online sign-up, subject to availability.
All merchandise is collection only, either from our Newtownsmith Charity Shop before Christmas or at Blackrock on Christmas morning.
Please bring your order confirmation when collecting.
Do I have to fundraise?
Not at all! Your sign-up is already making a difference.
If you'd like to do a little more, you can set up a personal fundraising page and invite friends and family to sponsor your Swim. Every extra donation helps.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Your safety always comes first.
If conditions are unsuitable, the organised Swim may be changed, suspended or cancelled. We'll share important updates on our website, social media and through participant communications.
Never enter the water if conditions are unsafe.
Do you have another question?
Still have a question? We're happy to help. Email swim@copegalway.ie.
Ready to Join Us?
We would love to see you at the COPE Galway Christmas Swim this year!
