24/12/2007 06:21:01
Several thousand people are expected to turn out on Wednesday for this year's Boxing Day Dip at Seaburn beach in Sunderland.
The annual event is one of several held around Europe on 26 December where swimmers, many in fancy dress, brave cold sea waters to raise money for charity. Established 33 years ago, it is thought to be one of the biggest, with up to 1,000 hardy souls jumping into the chilly North Sea and a further 5,000 coming to watch.
At this time of year, sea temperatures around the UK can be as low as 4° Celcius. First-aiders from St John Ambulance (SJA) Northumbria are set to provide participants with foil blankets for warmth.
"The dippers are encouraged to have a quick paddle then run back up the beach for a hot drink, warm blankets and a warm-up," said SJA spokesperson John Purvis.
"It's really not the time of year for a leisurely swim but the Boxing Day Dip is great fun and a very popular local event," he added.
Sunderland Lions Club, which organises the dip, says that the event now raises around £65,000 each year.
Jumping into the sea for charity? Why not return to your senses in one of Best Western's warm hotels in the North East?