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GALLERY: Fun and fundraising at Christmas swims

GALLERY: Fun and fundraising at Christmas swims

Sunday 26 December 2021

GALLERY: Fun and fundraising at Christmas swims

Sunday 26 December 2021


Hundreds of islanders plunged into the sea at La Vallette on Christmas Day and Cobo on Boxing Day.

The beach at Cobo was lined with swimmers who ran into the sea together at around 09:30. Many were dressed in Santa hats or costumes. They were all raising money for The Guernsey Cheshire Home, which requires more than £1million a year to keep it running.

A free return shuttle bus was put on from Town to Cobo to encourage more participants and take away the hassle of parking at Cobo.

After their few minutes - or, in some cases, seconds - in the water, swimmers and their supporters were welcomed at The Rockmount for mulled wine and mince pies.

VIDEO: Swimmers running into the sea at Cobo on Boxing Day morning. Credit: Dean Love; Facebook. 

The Boxing Day swim was sponsored by Skipton.

“This much-loved Guernsey tradition is something we are extremely proud to sponsor as it showcases the very best of Guernsey’s tight-knit community,” said Skipton's Aaron Walden.

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Pictured: The Boxing Day swim raised thousands of pounds for The Guernsey Cheshire Home.

On Christmas Day, more than 200 people made their way to the Children's Pool at La Vallette for the annual 'Polar Bear Swim'.

Kevin Penney, one of the organisers, said the Christmas Day tradition dates back “well over 50 years”.

Mr Penney is a member of the Guernsey Swimming Club, which has organised the Polar Bear Swim for decades.

Speaking before swimmers headed into the cold water, Mr Penney said: “It provides a fantastic festive atmosphere at the historic pools where the club first started in 1886. The event is completely free of charge.

“Due to restoration works at La Vallette, the Ladies' Pool is out of action, and therefore the [Christmas Day swim] is in the Children’s Pool. This is a great local event aimed at all ages and abilities.”

Directors Jo Norman and Christ Butt, who is also the club President, were at La Vallette handing out certificates to those brave enough to take the plunge.

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Pictured: Those who "braved the Boxing Day dip" went away with this certificate. 

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