Hundreds of people across the isle have been plunging into the sea to mark the start of a new year and – in Ramsgate and Broadstairs – to raise funds for charity.
At Viking Bay the annual dip was to raise money for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).
Organisers Jill and Kenny Connell have organised the event since 2002 and raised over £64,000 for CLDF prior to this year’s dip.
Swimmers met up at The George Inn, Broadstairs, for the midday plunge at Viking Bay. All those taking part were invited to The George afterwards for some warming curry.
For more information on CLDF visit childliverdisease.org.
In Ramsgate dippers were raising funds for Ronald McDonald Houses in memory of baby Joseph Brown.
John Brown and Vicki Boyle started the Dip in 2013 after they lost son Joseph in November 2012. Joseph arrived 14 weeks early on 27th September 2012 weighing only 1lb 11oz.
He was transferred to St Thomas Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in London where the dedicated, caring staff looked after Joseph and his parents. The couple were able to spend a very precious week with their baby son, who passed away peacefully in their arms.
The couple stayed at the Evelina Ronald McDonald House and pledged to raise money for the vital service.
The Ronald McDonald house enables families with babies or children in hospital to stay at the house free of charge for as long as they need.
Participants gathered from 11am at the Queen’s Head pub in Harbour Parade ready for the dip at the main sands at noon. Fancy dress judging took place at 11,45am on the beach and there was hot soup and music at the pub afterwards.
Today’s dip raised around £3,500.
Online donations can be made on JustGiving at https://www.justgiving.com/page/vicki-brown-1699281859349
Revellers also took to the waves in Westgate and Minnis Bay.
Thanet Lifeguard Club holds its annual Winter swim on Sunday 7th January. The dip takes place at 10am on Westbrook beach, off the Royal Esplanade.
