Rare sightings of six penguins chasing young swimmers were reported from the swimming pool in Ramsey on Saturday, but luckily the wildlife was only of the inflatable variety.
 
The occasion was the annual Wet ‘n’ Wild fun swimming gala, organised by the Department of Education and Children’s Youth Service.
 
Seventy-five young people, forming 15 teams, took part in a number of unusual events with names such as Antarctic Antics (this was when the penguins were spotted), Singing Aliens in the Rain, Frantic Frogs, Waverider and Aeronautics.
 
In the school years 4, 5 and 6 age group, the winners were the Space Hoppers, a team from Kirk Michael, with Alice Cashin, Kate Cashin, Amelia Hotchkiss, Lucas Hills-Field and Samuel Hills-Field. Runners up were Laxey A – Candy Taylor, India Sykes, Fern Ripton, Max Sibbald and Max Corrie. Closely behind were the team from Laxey B – Elena Dimsdale, Gabby Sullivan, Amy Ratcliffe, Will Hassall and Braddan Fargher.
 
The top three teams were presented with much sought-after, individually crafted, fish trophies created by Youth Service’s newest apprentice, Youth Worker Jenni Smith.
 
It turned out to be a great night for Laxey and Lonan Youth Club when they swam away with the senior section first place trophies, for those in school year 7 and above. The team of Charlotte Kenyon, Ben Peberdy, Harry Parsons, Tom Harmer and Alex Macmillan won by a 54-second margin. In second place were the Ballaughians – Alex Phillips, Eilidh Hendrickson, Erin Done, Charlotte Bale, and Sophie Nathan. The Pony Club came in third, just 55 seconds behind their rivals, and were Aalish Creer, Isla Curphy, Jess Rosengrove, Zelda Newey and Abby Jackson.
 
Ken Callister, Principal Youth Officer, commented: ‘Wet ‘n’ Wild is one of many activities organised by the Youth Service that bring young people from clubs and projects together and it was wonderful to see so many young people enjoying themselves and achieving success. Everyone taking part went home with a souvenir rubber duck. It’s that sort of event.’
 
He added: ‘The Youth Service is lucky to have so many staff and volunteers who are willing to help out at events like this, from inflating the ‘Waveriders’ frogs and penguins to acting as starter, and they have nearly as much fun as the youngsters.’
 
Other teams taking part were Dunkin Doughnuts from Michael, Ghostbusters and Messy Monsters from Ramsey, Fish Tails from Castletown, Floppy Fish from Foxdale, Pony Club juniors and the Mini Ballaughians. A special prize was given to Willaston Warriors, who lived up to their name by battling to the end despite coming last in many of their races. It was a mark of the spirit of the event that the loudest cheer in each race was for the Willaston Warriors.
 
Photo - Laxey and Lonan Youth Club (from left) Alex Macmillan, Charlotte Kenyon, Ben Peberdy, Harry Parsons, Tom Harmer.