OVER £1,000 has been raised for the RNLI after swimmers braved the Christmas weather for the Ballyholme Yacht Club Boxing Day swim.
The morning began with a lively warm-up session led by Julie and Kellie from the swim committee, who guided participants through a series of stretches on the slipway to prepare them for their chilly dip.
The atmosphere was festive and supportive, with eager bystanders offering cheers of encouragement as swimmers took the plunge into the cold sea.
A special thank you goes to the dedicated teams who made the event possible. Kayakers, paddleboarders and rescue crews worked together to ensure the safety of all participants, while the shore team managed the logistics, providing hot drinks and snacks to help swimmers warm up after their refreshing swim.
Tea, coffee, mince pies and biscuits were served to the cold but elated swimmers, making for a warm and welcoming post-event gathering.
The success of this year’s swim is a testament to the spirit of the community and the continued generosity of those who support the RNLI. This annual event has become a wonderful way to bring people together, raise awareness of the lifesaving work of the RNLI and raise much-needed funds to keep the lifeboat service running.
With £2,000 raised this year, the Boxing Day swim is an important contribution to the RNLI’s efforts in saving lives at sea.
“A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who took part, from the brave swimmers to the dedicated volunteers and supporters,” said a spokesman for the organisers.
“Your involvement helps ensure that the RNLI can continue its life-saving work for years to come.”