The Boxing Day swim at Swanage Beach was officially back for 2022 and an impressive number of people all turned up in fancy dress to plunge themselves into the cold sea.
This year the event was organised by #Willdoes, the Swanage-based charity that raises money to support the wellbeing of young people.
Ready to take the plunge
Crowds gather to watch
Long Swanage tradition
The 11 am swim on Boxing Day has long been a Swanage tradition but over the last few years it has been a more informal affair with issues over insurance and then Covid restrictions making it difficult to all get together over Christmas.
But now with the backing of #Willdoes, the event went ahead on a clear and sunny Boxing Day morning.
Swanage Town Crier Andrew Fleming starts the countdown to 11 am
The sun peeps through the clouds as everyone lines up
Leslet Paddy, a keen sea swimmer (centre), joins in the fun
“Helping young people achieve good physical and mental health”
Founder Lesley Paddy, set up the charity in memory of her son Will, who sadly died at the young age of 14. She said:
“We’re pleased to be able to work with Swanage Town Council to enable the swim to go ahead while raising money for #Willdoes.
“All the funds raised will go towards helping young people achieve good physical and mental health. We’ve recently been able to distribute £30,000 towards projects which will make a huge difference and is a lovely way to remember Will.”
Dress code: fancy dress!
More than a 100 people took part.
With no restrictions and the event being publicised, there were more than a 100 people who took part.
Alongside the regular Swanage sea swimmers who take a dip at 8 am on most mornings whatever the weather, there were those who had returned home for Christmas plus visitors who just wanted to join in all the crazy fun.
With the Isle of Wight in the distance, boys with new Christmas toys join in on their water hover boards!
Outdoor adventure company Land and Wave made sure no one got into difficulty in the sea
Time to dry off and warm up
Further information
- More about #Willdoes and how to donate is on its website
- More Coastlineandpines Boxing Day 2022 swim pictures are on Facebook and Instagram
Watch the swim from the land…
And the sea…
More photos
