Crosshaven RNLI Crew Member and Cork Photographer Collaborate on ‘Freezebury’ Sea Swim Challenge
- Online Journalist
- 32 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Shane McAuliffe, who recently passed out as lifeboat boat crew with the Crosshaven RNLI, is undertaking a winter sea swimming challenge in February 2026 to mark the recent 200 year anniversary of the RNLI, and 25 year anniversary of the RNLI in Crosshaven.
The challenge, titled Freezebury, involves swimming every day throughout February, gradually increasing time in the water, with a target of reaching a minimum total of 200 minutes over the course of the month. Shaped by Shane’s experience as an RNLI crew member, the challenge reflects a deep respect for the sea and an understanding of both its power and unpredictability.
Alongside the challenge, Shane has collaborated with Crosshaven based photographer Joleen Cronin on a collective creative project that gives visual and written voice to the experience. The two first swam every day through February together several years ago, an experience that not only tested them physically but also marked the beginning of a lasting friendship.
That shared experience became the foundation for Freezebury, a photography-led visual poem created on the rocky shoreline of Rocky Bay. The work responds to the emotional and physical reality of winter sea swimming through still imagery and poetry.
Freezebury explores cold not as spectacle, but as presence. It reflects on repetition, restraint, and the quiet daily negotiation between comfort and commitment, asking what it means to keep returning to the water during the darkest weeks of the year.
Speaking about the challenge, Shane said “The sea is a huge part of my life, both through the RNLI and personally. Freezebury isn’t about pushing limits for the sake of it, it’s about respect. Respect for the water, for the people who answer the call when things go wrong, and for the understanding that going to sea is never without risk. Marking the RNLI’s 200 years, and Crosshaven’s own 25 years of lifesaving in this way felt meaningful and important to me.”
Joleen describes the project as a way of slowing photography down and letting it hold something quieter. “This work came from friendship and trust. It’s about allowing space for stillness, repetition, and gratitude, and letting the images and words speak for themselves.”
An excerpt from the accompanying poem reads
“The sea is black this time of year.
Cold enough to empty the lungs.
Honest enough to tell you who you are.”
The full poem is available to view online alongside the visual work.
Freezebury is presented in support of RNLI fundraising efforts, recognising two centuries of saving lives at sea and the ongoing work of RNLI crews around the Irish coastline.
Donations can be made at https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/teamfreezebury
Interested in getting involved with the RNLI?
If you wish to volunteer with Crosshaven RNLI, there are roles available within Crew, Launch Authorities and Fundraising. Training where necessary, will be given. Contact crosshavenlifeboat@gmail.com