Brace yourselves for the cold! Christmas Day swimmers prepare to take the plunge into icy water
SOCIETY, Daily news | ankakh | December 26, 2012 1:11
Hundreds of hardened bathers have been braving wet and wintry conditions across the country to take a Christmas Day dip.
Despite torrential rain, winds of up to 30mph and temperatures as low as seven degrees – determined swimmers took the plunge at traditional swims in locations around Britain.
Around a 100 people from the Serpentine swimming club jumped into the lake at Hyde Park for the annual 100-yard dash which has been held every year since 1864.
And a group of determined swimmers took their annual Christmas dip at Brighton beach this morning – despite orders from the council not to enter the water because of dangerous weather conditions.
Brighton and Hove City Council had announced yesterday that the traditional Christmas Day swim – which dates back to 1860 – could not go ahead with winds of up to 30mph predicted and ‘volatile sea conditions’.
But these pictures reveal how a handful of hardy individuals got up at 7.30am to defy the ban and dive into water temperatures of only five degrees.
Athlete Iwan Thomas joined thousands in fancy dress including Santas, angels and even someone in Borat-style mankini as they dived into the cold water.
Local reverend Benedict Cambridge left his church service halfway through to join in.
He said: ‘I’ve only been here for nine months and it seemed important to take part. The weather was mild but the sea was freezing. It gave me an ice cream headache.’
The annual Christmas Day dip raises money for local charities.
Facebook
Tweet This
RSS Feed
Email This Post
Loading ...
