HAPPY NEW BRRR!
HUNDREDS of people braved the chilly weather to blow out the cobwebs with a New Year’s Day swim in Barry.
As temperatures stayed below 10 degrees, hordes of people gathered on the South Wales coast on the first day of the year to take a dip in the sea.
At Barry Island, organisers celebrated their biggest swim yet as thousands flocked to the beach in their best fancy dress.
More than 500 people entered the water to raise money for the Headfirst brain tumour campaign at Velindre Cancer Care in Cardiff.
Returning for its 33rd year, more than 1,000 people gathered to watch hardy souls dressed as mermaids, storm troopers and Daleks run into the water.
The swim, which was preceded by a 5km parkrun on the beach, originally started when five members of the Jacksons Bay Lifeguard Club decided to shake off their hangovers with a bracing dip.
Their only rule was that they had to completely submerge themselves three times – a tradition still followed by some today.
Organiser Rob Salter said: “It was probably the biggest swim we’ve had so far.
“There were thousands and thousands of spectators – it was absolutely bouncing.
Mr Salter, 53, added: “There weather was perfect. At half past 10 the rain stopped and the sun came out.”
Across the country, others stripped off to run into the chilly waters including in Saundersfoot, Abersoch, Amroth, Parrog, Porthdinllaen and Whitesands.