Swimmers courageous chilly situations for Lowestoft Christmas Day dip

Hundreds of swimmers braved chilly winds and uneven seas to participate in one of many few Christmas Day dips that went forward this 12 months.

The forty sixth occasion in Lowestoft, Suffolk, noticed an estimated 300 swimmers, many in fancy gown, cost into the North Sea.

Many other dips around the UK, together with two additional alongside the Suffolk coast in Southwold and Felixstowe, have been cancelled as a result of situations.

Donna Taylor, from the Lowestoft occasion organiser Everyone Active, mentioned: “There was a lovely, friendly atmosphere generated by the participants and those who came down to support them, and our congratulations go to everyone who took part.”

The event, run in partnership with East Suffolk Council, saw a smaller section of beach than usual opened up for the swimmers, closely monitored by lifeguards.

Charities including Lowestoft Lions, Lowestoft Lifeguard Volunteer Corp, St John Ambulance and the Brian Gallagher Football Fund were among the beneficiaries.

St Elizabeth Hospice, which organises the Felixstowe swim, said it had taken the decision to cancel on safety grounds.

“From talking with acceptable companies, it has been decided that it isn’t secure to proceed with the occasion as a result of excessive winds,“ mentioned a spokesman for the charity.

“We are currently looking to postpone the event to 2026.“

The Southwold swim, organised by Blyth Valley Rotary, was additionally cancelled as a result of forecast climate situations.