Sunday, 29th December, was a fabulous day for me, photography-wise, when I had a whole day of photo-shooting opportunities.
After the vintage cars encounter, I was on my way with my brother, Joe, along the promenade to the St Julians Parish Church to take some shots of the Christmas decorations they set up there when half way along the road we saw a lot of commotion. I just remembered that there was the President’s swim for charity. Actually it wasn’t the President of Malta who jumped in but others who collected/offered money for the Community Chest Fund – an organisation presided by Malta’s president. We had no time to wait for the swimmers but I took many shots of the preparations. The rescue teams were all there many in wet suits, speed boats or a jet ski like the ones in the picture (they must have thought the swimmers had turbo engines attached to their butts, haha). This jet ski must have sprung up some engine trouble from the looks of it.
I have never tried this but it is not a major feat to jump into the sea at this time of the year. There are people I know who swim throughout the year. On that day the sea temperature was around 18C.
Thank you very much for looking and for your lovely comments and fav’s on yesterday’s picture.
What a great opportunity Dione and an interesting write up. I think it's probably not much more than 18C here in the height of summer and my son did a charity swim in March for a local hospice and the water temperature was around 5C (wetsuits weren't allowed!) He is a strong swimmer but said it was frightening how much your body seizes up. I am pleased to say he managed his distance though where many others had to be rescued!
Great shot! I wanted to go and take some shots of this, but chose to go to a football match instead - it's a pretty brave event. My 9-year-old nephew did the swim for the third time!
Like this candid shot, Dione. Thanks for the explanation of what was going on. Guess it would be a great way to raise money. I wouldn't jump in, but might pay someone else to do it! :))
It's impressive to see anyone jump into the sea in winter, but I did have to laugh as one of my friends posted a photo on facebook of her jumping into Lake Michigan -- and the temperature here is MUCH MUCH colder! But there is a group that jumps in the lake every new years day. Crazy.
Interesting info - great way to raise funds for a worthy cause.