Countdown to record dive attempt

BAREFIELD resident Christy Healy is endeavouring to be the first man to complete a 10km underwater dive in the Atlantic Ocean this Sunday.

As the countdown continues to the big day, the Kilmaley man is continuing to train hard in preparation for the mammoth challenge, never before attempted.
“I am delighted with how the training has progressed and even more delighted with the support I am getting from friends, family and, most of all, the public” says Christy.
“I have been following a gruelling training regime but now my trainer Neil Barrett is winding down the intensity of my training programme towards the end of this week to conserve energy in preparation for the event on the 18th” he continues.
Following the recent meeting of the event team, which directly involves up to 30 personnel between land and sea, the technical and safety element of the dive has intensified. The flotilla includes five boats, three kayaks and two snorkelers as well as those who are based on the boats such as the dive co-ordinator, rescue divers, paramedics, relief snorkelers and divers and the observers tasked with gathering the information for the Guinness World Records office.
Guinness World Records are not awarded easily, attention to detail, logging of information and recording of vital aspects of the record attempt are paramount.
Photographs, video, technical evidence and media reports as well as impeccable record-keeping are required. In order to achieve this, dedicated teams on land and sea will be in place with clearly defined roles and no room for error.
This in itself compounds the pressure on the day as Christy and his team reach for their collective goal. Reliability of technical equipment plays a major role on such an occasion and every eventuality must be considered and catered for.
David Flynn states, “We must remember that all of the training, planning, preparation and fundraising is all for a fantastic charity in Share A Dream Foundation, the Limerick-based charity who make dreams come true for sick children. The entire team is behind Christy and his chosen charity and we are all excited as the big day draws closer.”
With the team arriving in Doolin at 6.30am on September 18, McGann’s pub will be the headquarters for the day, where people will be able to follow Christy’s progress live on a big screen.
A spectator ferry service will be available on the day for those supporters who want to get closer to the action thanks to Garrihy’s Doolin to Aran Ferries, weather dependant of course. A large crowd of supporters are expected, hence some family fun events have been organised to keep the masses entertained.