10 Dec Time is running out to register for our New Year’s Day charity swim
Brave swimmers are being offered the chance to take to the chilly waters of The Solent on New Year’s Day in aid of Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS).
Time is now running out for swimmers to register to take part in the annual dip at the lifeboat station, Stokes Bay, at midday on January 1.
This year, the independent lifeboat service will be offering a special trophy to the swimmer, or swimming team, with the best fancy dress – so those taking part are encouraged to don their maddest outfits.
GAFIRS community director James Baggott said: ‘Every year hundreds of people line Stokes Bay to watch the swimmers take a rather chilly dip.
‘While we encourage participants to raise money for any charity, we especially love those who take to the waters in aid of us.
‘As an independent lifeboat station we do not receive any funding from the RNLI, so events like our New Year’s Day swim are vital in keeping us afloat all year to save lives in the local waters.
‘This year we’ll be keeping an eye out for those swimmers who really go to town on their fancy dress – perhaps some could simply leave it on from the parties the night before!’
Registration opens at 11am on the day with swimmers entering the water at midday. Refreshments, thanks to the Fighting Cocks public house, will also be available.
Parking is limited on the day, so swimmers are advised to walk or use public transport where possible.
For more information, and to register, visit GAFIRS.org.uk/new-years-swim.