River swim flooded by entrants ready to take plunge

HUNDREDS of swimmers are set to take the plunge in one of the country’s biggest open-water competitions in Cork this weekend.

Organisers of the Vibes and Scribes Lee Swim said there will be up to 250 competitors — three times more than last year.

The swim used to be a traditional event until poor river conditions forced its cancellation in 1992. It was resurrected last year after major water quality improvements from the Cork Main Drainage system.

Swimmers will start the two-kilometre race at 2.30pm on Saturday.

Event co-ordinator, Sgt Pat Murphy, encouraged the people of Cork to line the city quays and cheer competitors on.

Swimmers should register for the race at the Clarion Hotel between 9am and 1pm on Saturday morning.