Christmas and New Year Charity Swims in Norfolk

Traditionally Christmas is a time for turkey, presents and spending time with the family with the heating turned up high. But you could always immerse yourself in some icy sea water and raise money for some worthy charities instead.

Festive swims take place around the UK and Norfolk hosts its share, with many people taking part in the region to raise money for charity. Often donned in fancy dress, the costume choices are interesting, ranging from traditional Santa hats and Christmas jumpers, to mankinis, mermaids and reindeer. But where does this eccentric past time originate and who are those brave, (or crazy!) souls who decide to take the cold plunge? Some believe it to be the perfect hangover cure while others like to think it burns off all those sausage rolls and mince pies.

If you are thinking about doing something different this festive period and want to raise some money for a good cause, you may be interested in taking part in one of the following events in Norfolk.

Boxing Day Dip in Cromer

Organised by the North Norfolk Beach Runners, this is a popular event and this year they are raising funds for MIND (Norwich and Central Norfolk). This charity was chosen in memory of one of their young runners Niall Brown, who sadly passed away this year and to also raise awareness of mental health in the region. If you would rather donate than take part, you can support them by going to their JustGiving Page and pledging some money to this worthy cause:

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nnbeachrunners

If you would like to find out more about this event in Cromer on Boxing Day, go to the North Norfolk Beach Runners website:

www.nnbr.co.uk/events/boxing-day-dip

Boxing Day Dip 2018 – Midday at Sea Palling in Norfolk

Organised by Lets Do It Anyway, a non-profit Norfolk based Charitable Trust with a mission to promote social welfare and equality inclusion for children and adults with a disability or debilitating medical condition.

On Wednesday 26th December 2018 from 11:30 - 14:30 everyone is welcome for some invigorating Boxing Day fun in the 7th ‘Lets Do It Anyway’ Charity Annual Dip in the Sea at Sea Palling Beach in Norfolk. There is no minimum sponsorship required, on the day charity boxes will be passed around for individuals to contribute an amount of their choice. However, if you would like to raise donations through sponsorship to complete this challenge, please e-mail tonya@letsdoitanyway.com for a ‘Lets Do It Anyway‘ sponsor form. Alternatively, you can set up a Justgiving fundraising page by following this link: https://www.justgiving.com/letsdoitanyway, or a mydonate fundraising page. All funds raised will go towards the ‘Lets Do It Anyway‘ 2018 New Year Wish. Fancy dress is optional.

To find out more, go to their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/322404258550750/

Hunstanton Christmas Day Swim

Put the present opening on hold and take part in this Christmas Day Swim in Hunstanton. You may prefer to be a spectator and watch others frolicking about in the icy sea, a good crowd is expected. With many dressed in festive fancy dress costumes, it’s sure to be a sight to see.

For those taking part on Tuesday 25th December 2018, you must arrive by 10.00am at the Oasis Leisure Centre in Hunstanton to register and get changed. Prior to the swim, two prizes will be awarded, £25 prize for the best dressed individual and £100 for the best group; give those costumes some thought!

This Christmas Day Swim has been going for over 60 years and in recent years there have been record crowds watching and participating. Raising much needed funds for Round Table, it enables the group to support many local good causes.

To find out more, go to the following website:

www.hunstanton615.wordpress.com/christmas-swim

New Year’s Day Dip – Sheringham

Taking place on the tank beach, Sheringham, meet from 10:15am, dip at 11am. Fancy dress is encouraged, and the best dressed wins a £30 Crown Inn voucher.

Help raise much needed money for Sheringham RNLI by taking part or by sponsoring a brave participant. Full information can be found on the following Facebook Page:

www.facebook.com/SheringhamNYDDip

2018 Christmas Day Swim – Lowestoft

No, it’s not actually in Norfolk – but it’s not far away!

In its 41st year, this year’s aim is to be simply ‘BIGGER & BETTER‘. The swim has raised over £40,000 since SLT took on the organisation of the swim and last year alone the event raised over £13,000 for local charities and good causes.

This year it is hoped that even more locals will get involved and brave the icy North Sea, raise money and have fun at the same time. This much loved and anticipated Christmas Day Swim will take place on Tuesday 25th December 2018 at 10am. Changing facilities and registration for Registered Swimmers Only will be at The Claremont Pier.

To find out more about taking part, visit the following website:

www.sltrust.co.uk/xmasdayswim