A dippy way to start new year

Jan 2 2009 by Sam Wood, The Journal

SWIMMERS braved the chilly North Sea yesterday for the traditional New Year’s Day dip. More than 50 hardy souls took the plunge into the freezing waters at Whitley Bay shortly before 11am in a tradition which dates back more than 100 years.

The event is organised by the Panama Swimming Club and many of the swimmers were raising money for charity.

Hundreds of onlookers gathered on the beach near the Rendezvous Cafe as swimmers dashed into the icy water, many in fancy dress.

Jon Malton, 44, of Monkseaton Drive, Whitley Bay, was wearing an old Army uniform with two tea bags attached to his head and holding a cigar, after making a bet during his New Year’s Eve celebrations.

He said: “We were at a party last night and we’d had a few drinks when someone suggested we should do the swim.

“We came straight here from the party. I’ve never done it before but it was great.

“It is very cold but I think it is something I’ll do again next year.”

Lisa French, 33, from Longbenton, North Tyneside, was raising money for a landmine charity.

She said: “This is for MAG, the mines advisory group. Later this year I’m hoping to travel out to Cambodia to help out with the landmines. I’ve raised about £4,000 so far and hopefully I’ll get a bit more from today.

“It isn’t actually as cold as people may think. Once you’re in the water everything goes a bit numb and you can’t actually feel how cold it is.

“This was my first year doing the dip but I reckon I’ll have another go next year. Usually my New Year’s Day is spent in bed but this was a much better way to spend the time.”

Among the brave swimmers was Dave Taylor, 47, of Benton, North Tyneside, who had come dressed as Superman. He said: “It’s my first time doing this and I just wanted to do something a bit different, so I thought I would come dressed up.

“I’m a chef at St Oswald’s Hospice so I am raising money for them while I take the plunge and hopefully being dressed as Superman will help me stand out.”