We are an island nation, surrounded by water and so many of us have a connection to the sea. There are hundreds of swimming spots dotted around the country, populated by enthusiastic bathers – whether it’s first thing in the morning, after a long day’s work, or beneath the moonlight! Behind every swimmer is a story – and this documentary will share those stories.
Following 8 people, all passionate about the ocean, we will learn how the sea is helping them deal with grief, manage mental and physical health concerns, or just giving them a chance to hit the reset button. We share one man’s journey as he aspires to get back into the sea after a life changing road accident and a woman whose bucket list wish is to return to her favourite childhood swimming spot after 60 years. We will see the friendships and bonds that flourish in the water.
We will hear the joy, happiness and pleasure that people derive from their daily dip or full moon swim, where life just stops and they are at one with the sea.
This positive, life affirming documentary will leave you wanting to run out and jump in the ocean.
Contributors:
Mark Earley ( 36) Forty foot
Mark’s wife, Liane, passed away suddenly April 2017. As part of the grieving process, Mark swims every morning down at the Forty Foot. He considers this a therapy as he wades through the first year of grief.
Leslie Scanlon ( 82) Bray Beach
Les is a vibrant 82 year old man who swims every day in Bray for the last 30 years. It’s always an early start as he is still the caretaker of one of the local schools. A self confessed socialite, Les is always up for a night out but will never miss his morning swim, even if he’s home at 3am! Les lost his wife and son in the last 15 years and swimming has become a daily ritual for him.
Anne Shanahan (75) Sandycove
Anne is a polio sufferer who has been swimming since she was a child. She swims in Sandycove. It has emotional and physical benefits for her. She feels graceful in the water. Her friend, Terry, often accompanies her on her swimming trips. He never gets in the water. He just holds her towel!
Aoife McElwain (30s) Seapoint
Aoife is new enough to swimming, she started last May. Swimming takes her out of her mind for a while. It’s like “Free therapy”. She finds the water freezing so wears a wet suit. She is aiming to get out of the wetsuit.
Traught mermaids – Traught beach, Kinvara
Jennifer, Susan and Ciara
A group of female friends who gather almost daily to swim. Recently, they have begun to celebrate the monthly full moon with a swim.
Ciara Ferguson, Schull pier
Ciara is pregnant in the documentary and expecting her fifth child. She swims with a gang, all different ages.
Ray and Dee Murnane, Bantry
Ray is in a wheelchair after a motorbike accident in September 2015. Initial recovery was hampered by pericarditis which meant Ray was in hospital for 18 months. He is aiming to get back into the water a 2 year break.
Susan Steele, Clonakilty, Inchydoney beach
Susan swims every day and has done so for over a year. She is writing a book called Vitamin Sea. She got bloods taken twice in 6 months and white blood cell count had increased – immunity had improved.