The Boxing Day swim in Swanage Bay, which started as a small event for a few hardy folk, has grown into a highly successful mass participation affair and 2024 was no exception!
With more crowds than ever packing the seafront and Swanage Beach, it was hard at first to see all those limbering up ready to dash into the sea at 11 am on Thursday 26th December 2024, despite some of the imaginative fancy dress outfits.
The mild weather encouraged lots of brave people to wear beachwear more usually worn in the summer
Swanage town crier Andrew Fleming sensibly keeps his clothes on to conduct the countdown to 11 am!
Some with more clothes on than others!
However as the Swanage town crier Andrew Fleming finished the countdown, a swarm of bodies headed into the sea, some with more enthusiasm than others, some with more clothes on than others!
The mild eight degree centigrade temperature meant that many were much braver than in previous years, although the mist swirled around the bay, making Ballard Down partially disappear.
Sea swimming safety was provided by outdoor company Land and Wave in canoes and on paddleboards
Lesley Paddy, founder of the charity and Will’s mum collects donations for the good cause
In memory of William Paddy
What must have been record numbers attended the event organised by the charity #Willdoes, which promotes and supports the wellbeing of young people in Dorset and the surrounding areas.
In memory of local boy William Paddy, who sadly died at the the age of 14, the charity encourages young people to take part in sports and other activities, helping them connect and engage socially, rather than the more insular world of gaming and social media.
Fancy dress elf outfits, santa hats and a straw boater…
What some people will do for charity!
Sense of achievement and wellbeing
No event could be more fitting for the charity than the Boxing Day swim, which saw people of all ages from the young to the not so young, taking part in the challenge.
It certainly brought a large section of the community together, along with plenty of visitors, and surely gave those braving the sea, a sense of achievement and wellbeing…and probably the need afterwards, for a warm shower and a bit of a Boxing Day lie down on the sofa!
Swanage resident and local councillor Sarah Brookes helped organise the event in aid of the charity #Willdoes
Plenty took part in a raffle, as well as donating to the cause
Watch the Boxing Day Swim
Further information
- More about the charity #Willdoes
