Llanelli Star

Brave the waves at annual Walrus Dip

- ROBERT LLOYD Print Content Editor robert.lloyd01@walesonlin­e.co.uk

IF YOU are looking to chill out this Christmas, then what better place to be than at Pembrey Country Park’s Cefn Sidan beach on Boxing Day for the famous annual Walrus Dip.

Brave the waves and join hundreds of others by taking a dip in the sea to raise money for a cause close to your heart.

People of all ages take part for a variety of charities, with most donning fancy dress and colourful Christmas costumes, but if you are not brave enough come along anyway to witness this spectacula­r event.

It is a 11am prompt start.

Everyone needs to arrive in their fancy dress at least 30 minutes early to ensure they get to the tide line by 11am for the brief opening ceremony.

The Walrus Dip, supported by the RNLI and Coastguard, was establishe­d in 1984 and has run every year since, except on three occasions - one due to an oil spill, another when the sea froze over and last year due to the Covid pandemic restrictio­ns.

It will be kicked off by council chairman Cllr Eirwyn Williams who will also be handing out certificat­es to the chilly participan­ts on the day.

Carmarthen­shire Council’s cabinet member for culture, sport and tourism Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, said: “The Walrus Dip is one of the most colourful events in the calendar and raises a lot of money for local charities. I have taken part in this event myself and what a fantastic atmosphere it was.”

Spectators are advised to wear suitable footwear.

Dippers should take warm appropriat­e clothing and towelling to the tide line to ensure they have some warmth after coming out of the sea. Participat­ion is free and certificat­es will be handed out to all participan­ts.

Admission to Pembrey Country Park is free.

The event will only be cancelled in case of extreme weather conditions that would threaten the safety of participan­ts and spectators, in event of an emergency or changes to Covid regulation­s.

Keep an eye on Carmarthen­shire Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages for informatio­n on the day.

 ?? BYRON WILLIAMS ?? The Walrus Dip Pembrey always has a festive feel.
BYRON WILLIAMS The Walrus Dip Pembrey always has a festive feel.

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