HUNDREDS of hardy souls will be taking to the icy cold waters of the Isle of Man on New Year’s Day for the annual series of charity swims.
Events are planned in Peel, Port St Mary, Gansey, Port Erin, Castletown, Ramsey and Laxey which annually raise large amounts for local charities and involve people of all ages and thousands of spectators.
The Peel Dip is the longest running of all, starting in 1983 with four friends raising just £50. Since then it has grown into a massive event watched by many thousands.
Last year’s Peel Dip had 204 dippers raising over £1,500 on the day and has raised more than £100,000 since it started in 1983. This year the main sponsor is Green’s Jewellers of Peel.
Now in its tenth year, the Southern Dippers event is the toughest of all, involving four separate dips, ending with a fancy dress swim in Port Erin, and also watched by huge crowds and raising big sums for charity.
It was started by Tim Croft and Lenny Conroy and seven dippers took to the waters at three venues. The event grew quickly and another dip was added. This year the charity to benefit will be Autism Initiatives. PokerStars is once again closely involved with sponsorship.
Just under 200 dippers took part in 2011 when £4,381 was raised for local charity Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation.
Castletown Ale Drinkers will also be in action with their annual dip in the harbour and in Laxey the Deemster’s Dip - named after the late Mike Kerruish - is growing in popularity.
12.00: Deemster’s New Year Dip, Laxey beach. (organised by the Shore Hotel in aid of Manx Muscular Dystrophy).
12.00: Peel Bay Dip (in support of Peel Lifeboat, Multiple Sclerosis, and The Children's Centre, Phillip Christian Centre).
12.45: First leg - Southern Dippers: Chapel Beach, Port St Mary. (Retire to Albert Hotel for “refreshments”).
13.30: Second leg - Southern Dippers: Inner Harbour, Port St Mary. (Return to Albert Hotel for soups from Paddy’s Market).
14.15: Third leg - Southern Dippers: Gansey Beach, Port St Mary. (Retire to Shore Hotel for hot chocolate).
15.00: Fourth leg - Southern Dippers: Fancy Dress (penguins theme), Port Erin Beach. (Retire to Bay Hotel for hot soup and prize presentation). All dips in aid of Autism Initiatives.
15.30: Castletown Ale Drinkers annual dip, Castletown Harbour.
