The benefits of cold water swimming are now well documented. According to the RNLI, it can improve your fitness levels and your metabolism, may help with aches and pains, can improve your circulation, may help to boost your immune system, helps some people manage their mental health, can reduce stress levels.
It can help people find a community by meeting friendly fellow swimmers, it gives you a natural high, leaving you feeling euphoric and exhilarated and it’s a great chance to get out and about in nature.
So, you won’t be surprised to read that the cold weather doesn’t deter the committed cold water swimmers….and charity fundraisers!
While most folk are looking forward to sitting by the fire this festive season tucking into a ‘selection box’, some hardy souls are braving the waves for a dip in the our seas, rivers and loughs.
Here’s a few ideas...
1. CARNLOUGH
The New Year's Day swim in Carnlough has been raising thousands of pounds for spina bifida and hydrocephalus charities for more than 50 years. Fancy dress is the order of the day at this leap into the New Year! To find out more information, go to Carnlough New Year Day Swimmers Facebook page. Photo: NEWS LETTER
2. CASTLEROCK
Start the New Year with a Dip for Diabetes at Castlerock beach. The New Year’s Day Dip for Diabetes will be taking place for its fourth year. There are almost 115,000 people living with diabetes in Northern Ireland and this number is set to continue to rise. Organisers said: "Let’s make this the biggest and best Dip for Diabetes yet with all proceeds going to research projects based in NI which are pushing for the next treatment breakthrough and speeding up progress towards a cure." Check out Coleraine Diabetes UK Facebook page for entry details. Photo: Coleraine Diabetes
3. PORTSTEWART
Start the New Year with a Splish Splash Splosh into the sea at Portstewart Strand and help raise funds for SANDS NI (Stillbirth And Neonatal Death Support). Join the north coast dippers who will be 'freezin' for a reason' at 11am on their annual dip. Keep an eye on the Splish Splash Splosh Facebook page for details. Photo: SSS
4. CRAWFORDSBURN
Make a splash for charity at the Dare to Dip event for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland at Crawfordsburn beach at 12 noon on New Year's Day. Join other brrr-ave dippers for an invigorating, fun-filled swim and help raise much needed funds for Cancer Focus NI. Fancy dress is encouraged- there will be a prize for the best outfit! For more information call 028 9068 0741 or email [email protected] Photo: CANCER FOCUS