Brave, hardy or completely mad souls took the plunge in Boxing Day Dip events around Kent.
Hundreds braved freezing waters for the annual tradition which raises money for good causes with many dressed up in festive and a range of whacky costumes.
All smiles and fun as the Boxing Day dippers in Deal take the plunge. Picture: Carol Fenton/The Unofficial Photographer
Despite record-breaking temperatures on Christmas Day, water remains extremely cold leaving many participants shocked after bracing the waves.
Swimmers faced the icy wake-up call in Minster on the Isle of Sheppey, Deal and Folkestone where hundreds more spectators gathered to watch the big splash.
In Folkestone, the town’s Sunny Sands beach was packed with supporters and participants ranging from Spiderman, a penguin, Baywatch lifeguard, dinosaur and countless other costumes.
More than 50 stepped in at Minster where people wrapped in coasts, scarves and hats lined the waterfront on The Leas which has been organised by the Minster Beach Huts Association for the past 10 years.
The challenge there – where the air temperature recorded just 8C – was to complete at least five swimming strokes with many just wading in, feeling the cold and then turning around and staggering out.
A Baywatch lifeguard more used to Californian temperatures was not fazed by the Kentish climes in Folkestone. Picture: Shaun Ranger/Folkestone, Hythe and District Lions ClubBoxing Day Dip 2023 Sheerness. Crowds took to the water on a sunny Boxing Day morning in Sheerness for the annual dip. Picture: John NurdenHardy, brave or completely mad… hundreds took to the water at Folkestone’s Sunny Sands. Picture: Shaun Ranger/Folkestone, Hythe and District Lions ClubBoxing Day Dip 2023 Sheerness. Crowds took to the water on a sunny Boxing Day morning in Sheerness for the annual dip. Picture: John NurdenFolkestone Boxing Day Dip 2023. Picture: Shaun Ranger/Folkestone, Hythe and District Lions ClubHardy, brave or completely mad? The dip in Folkestone is organised by the Folkestone, Hythe and District Lions Club. Picture: Shaun Ranger/Folkestone, Hythe and District Lions ClubCold enough for you? A freezing swim in the water at Folkestone. Picture: Shaun Ranger/Folkestone, Hythe and District Lions Club
Organiser Mark Whitton said: “It’s something we began back in 2013 when the huts were first put up with 10 or 15 of us. We have gradually built it up over the years.
“Last year we had 60 to 70 and we are hoping for a big turn out today as well.”
Tim Lambkin and pub landlord Robert Box were raising money for Williams Disease.
Tim, who runs Travelmasters, said: “It’s the first time for me. I’ve done no training – and I’ve just come back from Teneriffe!”
Robert, who runs the nearby Beach Bar, said: “I take part every year. The only training I did today was to go outside this morning without a coat on!”
An appearance by the Sheerness RNLI crew saw the swimmers given the countdown to the big splash.
Boxing Day Dip 2023 in Deal. Picture: Carol Fenton/The Unofficial PhotographerA bracing Boxing Day swim proved too much for this woman in Deal. Picture: Carol Fenton/The Unofficial PhotographerIt’s goooooold – or should that be cold. Goldmember from Austin Powers braves the freezing water in Deal. Picture: Carol Fenton/The Unofficial PhotographerSpiderman among the swimmers in Deal. Picture: Carol Fenton/The Unofficial PhotographerHardy souls take the plunge in the annual Boxing Day Dip in Deal. Picture: Carol Fenton/The Unofficial PhotographerHundreds took to the water at Folkestone’s Sunny Sands for the annual Boxing Day Dip including a penguin who should have been more used to the plunging temperatures. Picture: Shaun Ranger/Folkestone, Hythe and District Lions ClubFolkestone Boxing Day Dip 2023. Picture: Shaun Ranger/Folkestone, Hythe and District Lions ClubBoxing Day Dip 2023 Sheerness. Crowds took to the water on a sunny Boxing Day morning in Sheerness for the annual dip. Picture: John Nurden
In Deal, there was a big turnout as well with swathes of people staggering down the shingle beach into the water next to the pier.
The tradition, which has been running in the town since 1981, is organised by the Rotary Club of Deal and the Deal Rotary Pirates which sees money raised for local charities.
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