Swimmers brave chilly conditions for Christmas Day dip

Hundreds of swimmers braved chilly winds and choppy seas to take part in one of the few Christmas Day dips that went ahead this year.

The 46th event in Lowestoft, Suffolk, saw an estimated 300 swimmers, many in fancy dress, charge into the North Sea.

Many other dips around the UK, including two further along the Suffolk coast in Southwold and Felixstowe, were cancelled due to the conditions.

Donna Taylor, from the Lowestoft event organiser Everyone Active, said: "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 speaking with appropriate agencies, it has been determined that it is not safe to proceed with the event due to the high winds,“ said a spokesman for the charity.

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

The Southwold swim, organised by Blyth Valley Rotary, was also cancelled due to the forecast weather conditions.

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