
Photos by David Hiscock, ActionSnaps
About the swim
The Tickle Swim is a 5 km Open Ocean Swim from Portugal Cove to Bell Island Newfoundland. All swimmers are welcome provided they are fit enough to complete the distance.
The aim of the swim is to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental illness, and to remind us that physical and mental health go hand-in-hand.
It is a unique and challenging Newfoundland event, for a great cause!
Please visit our Tickle Swim Register or Support Us pages to join or donate as we support the good work of the Canadian Mental Health Association in Newfoundland and Labrador.
How it all started
The Tickle swim was first conceived and swam in 2013 by community activist Sheilagh O'Leary. Sheilagh's vision came from her personal belief in the importance of improving and maintaining good mental health through physical fitness.
During the first year, 7 swimmers crossed the 5km between Portugal Cove and Bell Island.
In recent years up to 30 swimmers have made the crossing, raising significant funds for mental health services in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Thank You!
On behalf of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Newfoundland and Labrador, we would like to thank the swimmers, kayakers and volunteers for your dedication and tremendous efforts in making the Tickle Swim a safe and successful event. Thank You!
A. Harvey & Company
Adam Wylie
Advanced Medical Solutions
Anica Stowe
Atlantic Lottery Corporation
Barry Yetman
Billy Dawe
Billy Kelly
Bob Gash
Brandon Hynes
Bree Parsons
Brian Aylward
Canadian Coast Guard
Chris Lewis Realty
ClearRisk
Colemans
Courtney Bartlett
Dan Nelles
Dave McDonald
David Hiscock
Deputy Mayor Madonna Stewart-Sharpe
Dick's Fish & Chips
Emily Gushue
Evan Bursey
Fortis
Ian Lunt
Jason Quann
Jim Davis
Kate Bisnaire
Keyin College
Liam Small
Lita Button
Max Fitness
Memorial United Church, Portugal Cove
Michael Mooney
Michael Samson
Miki Lee
MP Joanne Thompson
NL Dept. of Transportation and Works, Marine Services Division
NL Hydro
Paddle NL
Paddle NL
Paradise Physio
Pat and Meaghan Carey
Patten Family Foundation
Pennecon
Peter Ardis
Peter Upshall
Print Shop Ltd
Rebecca Long
Raw Island Botanicals
St. John Ambulance
Sarah Walsh
St. John Ambulance
Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip's
Town of Wabana
VOCM Cares
Woodstock Public House
Tickle Swim Committee
Amanda Dinn
Courtney Bartlett
Evan Myles
Lauren Dinn
Morgan Dinn
Nick Dawe
Sarah Smith