Hopes New Year’s Day dip will be ‘biggest yet’

Organisers of the New Year’s Day charity dip at Brown’s Bay are hoping to make this January’s event the biggest one yet.
Taking part in the 2015 New Year's Day dip at Brown's Bay.  INLT 02-205-AMTaking part in the 2015 New Year's Day dip at Brown's Bay.  INLT 02-205-AM
Taking part in the 2015 New Year's Day dip at Brown's Bay. INLT 02-205-AM

The annual shoreline gathering is now in its ninth year and was established to raise funds for a number of organisations, chiefly Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The 2015 dip saw 140 hardy swimmers take to the chilly waters, and there are hopes the number will grow to 200 this time around.

The event normally raises over £1000 for charity, said Gavan McGibbon, one of the organisers.

“Numbers have been increasing year on year but we want to make this one the biggest yet,” he added.

“It’s good fun once you get over the cold! There are a group of residents who are regulars and we’ve had great support from Islandmagee Spar over the past couple of years.”

The New Year’s Day dip takes place at Brown’s Bay from 1pm on January 1.

It will have full first aid cover and blankets provided again by Emergency Medical Trainers.

More information can be found by searching ‘9th Annual New Year’s Day Brown’s Bay Dip’ on Facebook.

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