Locations for Festive Sea Dips

The tradition of taking a cold sea dip on Christmas Day or Boxing Day is embraced by many swimmers throughout the region. This year, thousands are anticipated to participate in various events, braving potentially cold winds to enter the North Sea. While some of these swims serve as fundraising initiatives for charities and organizations, others offer participants an adrenaline rush before their festive meals. The Boxing Day Dip on Mersea Island, Essex, a popular festive swim established over two decades ago, will not occur this year. However, numerous other seasonal swims are still available for attendance or participation across Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. One such event, commencing at 11:00 GMT on December 26, is situated opposite the Moot Hall. Participation costs £10. This event, founded in 1988, will generate funds for the RNLI and the Make A Wish foundation this year. Post-swim, hot drinks and snacks will be available. Felixstowe’s festive dip, celebrating its 20th anniversary, will be held opposite Mannings Amusements to support St Elizabeth Hospice. Swimmers are scheduled to enter the sea at 10:00 on December 25, with arrivals for spectators and participants beginning at 08:30. The entry fee is £20. Another swim, characterized as an “exuberant annual fundraiser” and “one of Norfolk’s biggest events in the festive season,” is scheduled to begin at 11:00. A fancy dress competition will precede the swim, and participants will receive hot soup after leaving the water. Registration commences at 10:00 outside Alive Oasis. The Lowestoft Christmas Day Swim in Suffolk, marking its 45th anniversary, will commence at 10:00 at the East Point Pavilion. In prior years, this event, which encourages participants to wear fancy dress, has raised over £10,000 for local charities. Registration, requiring a minimum donation of £5, opens at 8:30. An event offering a distinct festive dip combines swimming with a 20-minute fun run. This activity will occur at Cromer Pier on Boxing Day, with the swim starting at 10:30. Attendance and participation are free, though donations are appreciated. The Sea Palling Boxing Day Dip, identified as the perfect festive swim for late-risers, near, will see a dash into the chilly North Sea at midday off Sea Palling Beach on the north-east coast of Norfolk. Entry is free, but a suggested donation of £5 will be directed to the Let’s Do It Anyway charity, which aims to promote social welfare, equality, and inclusion for children and adults. Registration for this event opens at 11:30. The Southend RNLI New Year’s Day Dip, now in its ninth year, offers a way to commemorate the beginning of 2025 or potentially alleviate a hangover. This event, held on Jubilee Beach on Marine Parade, commences at 10:45, with swimmers entering the sea 45 minutes thereafter. Participation costs £6 if paid in advance, or £25 on the day, with all funds benefiting the RNLI. Southend previously organized this event on Boxing Day. Since 2012, this particular event has accumulated over £38,000 for local charities and aims to continue this trend this year. It begins at 10:30 on Southwold seafront in Suffolk, situated just below Gun Hill, and all participants will be awarded a medal. The cost is £15 in advance or £20 on the day.