The Boxing Day swim became a Boxing Day dip at Swanage Bay in Dorset, as cold temperatures and weather conditions meant it was less desirable to spend too much time in the surf.
Following professional safety advice, the well attended annual event was able to go ahead on Friday 26th December 2025, raising money for local charity #Willdoes which supports the mental health and wellbeing of young people in Dorset.
Hundreds headed into the sea wearing a variety of festive costumes
Considered safe to go ahead as planned
Mindful of the two men who sadly went missing in the sea during a Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton in Devon, organisers considered whether the event should be cancelled.
But on the day, with the wind speed and sea swell decreasing, it was decided it was safe to go ahead as planned.
Swanage is a relatively sheltered, east-facing bay and its geography is different from the stretches of Devon and Cornwall coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean.
However the temperature on the beach was only about 4 degrees centigrade with a biting easterly wind, so participants were encouraged to take a quick dip rather than a swim.
Lifeguards on rescue boards were stationed in the sea, keeping an eye on everyone taking part, ensuring no one went far from the shore.
The organised event included lifeguards positioned in the sea
Braving the challenge
Lesley Paddy collecting donations for #Willdoes
“Very challenging due to the last minute uncertainty”
Lesley Paddy, who founded the charity #Willdoes in memory of her son William, said:
“Organising the event this year has been very challenging due to the last minute uncertainty of whether it would go ahead.
“There’s a lot of effort and planning which goes into ensuring everyone stays safe and the final call was made by our safety advisers who are qualified lifeguards.
“Fortunately the weather and the sea has been a lot calmer today compared to yesterday, so I’m very relieved we were able to go ahead and not disappoint the hundreds of people who have dressed up especially for the event. It’s great to see so many people enjoying themselves.
“We’re very grateful to those who have supported our charity #Willdoes and all our profits from today will go towards helping young people and promoting their wellbeing.”
A raffle raised more funds
The charity #Willdoes was founded after the sad death of teenager William Paddy
Shanty Spirit attracted an appreciative crowd
Hot toddies
There’s no entry fee for the event but donations are welcomed, plus there was a fundraising raffle and refreshments to buy.
Hot toddies were provided by Poole-based drinks company Shanty Spirit, which makes rum, appropriately spiced with seaweed.
This proved very popular with the swimmers who definitely needed to warm up after their bracing dip!
Watch the Boxing Day dip
Further information
- Find out about the charity #Willdoes
- More photos by Milly Haines on her Millythemermaid Instagram account
- Follow Timothy Crabb’s Swanage and Purbeck Photography Facebook group
More photos
The Swanage town crier is surprised by a bearded mermaid!
Lobsters take the plunge
The joy of a quick dip
A duck and a snowman make an interesting duo
Wrapped up warm
Four minions discovered on the beach!
All smiles before going in
Warmer in the sea than out!
Swanage Bay Sauna was very busy
Members of the lifeguard team ensured everyone kept safely close to the beach
