Inishowen sea swimming safety course shortlisted for prestigious AONTAS STAR Award

Inishowen-based sea swimming safety course Dare2Dip has been shortlisted for an AONTAS STAR Award in the Social Inclusion category.

The STAR Awards (Showcasing Teamwork, Awarding Recognition) are an awards initiative organised by the national adult learning organisation, AONTAS, to recognise and celebrate the work undertaken by adult learning initiatives throughout Ireland.

The programme delivered by The LightHouse, a Social Enterprise powered by Inishowen Development Partnership provides introductory sea swimming safety guidance to new and novice sea swimmers, while promoting the mental health and wellness benefits of being in the sea.

Funded by Donegal County Council with support from the Irish Coastguard, the programme featured experienced sea swimmers, individuals who hadn't been in the water for years, and those from established small sea swimming groups from across the Inishowen peninsula, with a total of 60 learners taking part.

Commenting on the shortlist, Dr Niamh O’Reilly, CEO of AONTAS, said: “The STAR Awards are an excellent opportunity to celebrate the positive contribution that adult learning initiatives make to individual adult learners, local communities, and the Irish public.

"The focus this year is on the wider benefits of learning for development of a collective sense of belonging, equality, wellbeing, and growth. This is really reflected across the shortlist this year, and AONTAS is delighted to have such wonderful initiatives shortlisted for the STAR Awards.”

STAR Award winners will be announced during the week of the AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival (March 7-11) and a celebratory event will also take place to acknowledge the incredible achievements of all of the groups involved.