It is a bracing and bizarre festive tradition which has helped raise thousands of pounds for charity – and shed a few Christmas pounds in the process.
It is a bracing and bizarre festive tradition which has helped raise thousands of pounds for charity – and shed a few Christmas pounds in the process.
Once again this year, north Norfolk's intrepid festive swimmers will be swapping snug living-rooms for icy North Sea waves to raise money for local causes.
Here's where you can watch the merry maniacs, or even dare to join them, this year:
• Cromer, 9am Boxing Day, Cromer Pier
Cromer's Boxing Day Dip, organised by the North Norfolk Beech Runners, will be donating all proceeds for this year's swim to the Stroke Association.
The donation will be made to show support for NNBR's own Andy Kett, who suffered a stroke in September.
Arrive at 9am for the warm-up run or at 10am for the annual countdown - an hour earlier than previous years in order to avoid the high tide.
MORE: Even earlier start for this year's traditional Boxing Day dip in Cromer
• Overstrand, 10.15am Boxing Day, Bottom of the Gangway
One for those wishing to feel better about that Christmas feasting, the Boxing Day Swim at Overstrand takes to the tide just down the coast from Cromer.
All swimmers are welcomed – at their own risk.
There will be a bucket competition and mulled cider available for a donation.
Proceeds from the event will go to the upkeep of the Ovestrand Millennium Playground.
• Sheringham, 11am New Year's Day, the East End Slip (The Tank Beach)
The RNLI's New Year's Day Dip was revived in 2017 after an absence of more than a decade, raising more than £300 for the town's lifeboat. Many swimmers took part in fancy dress, while onlookers lined the beach to show their support.
• Huntstanton, 10am Christmas Day, Oasis Leisure Centre, Huntstanton Promenade
Making a splash for more than 50 years now, the Huntstanton Christmas Day Swim is raising money for the Huntstanton Round Table, which funds a number of local causes. Remember to arrive in your fancy dress, as a £25 prize will be going to the best-dressed swimmer, and £100 to the best group.
Register at hunstanton615.wordpress.com/christmas-swim-2017/
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