STAY OUT OF THE WATER
Warning over unofficial Boxing Day dips after organised events are cancelled
BOXING Day dips have been cancelled across the North East – and swimmers are now being urged not to take part in any unofficial events as the pandemic continues to grip the nation.
Organisers of a number of events have been forced to pull the plug on the traditional annual swims, which usually involve scores of bathers taking a plunge in the North Sea on Boxing Day.
Dips in Tynemouth, Sunderland, Seaham and Newbiggin-by-the-Sea have all been called off due to the pandemic.
The North Sea Volunteer Lifeguards, who organise the Tynemouth dip, said: “Unfortunately due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic we have made the difficult decision to cancel our Boxing Day swim. We look forward to seeing you in 2021.”
And Newbiggin RNLI Lifeboat Station added: “Due to the present Covid-19 restrictions, it is impossible for us to host the Boxing Day Dip this year. The safety of everyone is our priority as we hope you will all understand.
“Apologies to everyone who had wished to participate in the event and thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you all again in December 2021. Please stay safe.”
North Tyneside Council and Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade (TVLB) are now concerned about unofficial group swims taking place and the risk it could pose to swimmers and volunteer rescuers. They are urging people to skip the tradition entirely this year.
Wendy Burke, the council’s director of public health, said: “These events are being cancelled all over the country because of the ongoing crisis, and we know that people will be disappointed.
“However, we strongly advise against people organising their own group swims. There will be no safety cover and none of the usual arrangements that you have with an organised event.
“This is not only a risk to those taking part but also to the volunteers who would be called out if someone got into difficulty, not to mention our exhausted and overworked colleagues in the NHS.
“At the end of a very difficult year and in the spirit of keeping everyone safe, please be safe and sensible in the coming days and weeks.”
Captain Peter Lilley, of the TVLB, said: “The last thing we want to do is discourage people from enjoying a dip in the sea but the fact is that with no official events taking place, there are no lifeguards, risk assessments, or marshals in place to ensure that everyone is safe.
“This does concern me, and we know from experience that many people who take part in these events are not experienced sea swimmers, some are potentially still inebriated from the night before, and the conditions can also create problems if the sea is rough.
“After the year we have just had it really isn’t worth the risk, and we would be very grateful for people’s support and understanding on this matter.”
The Sunderland Lions Club, which organises the swim at Seaburn Beach, announced they have “made the dreadful decision that they cannot hold a Boxing Day Dip this year”.
A spokesperson said on Facebook: “After 45 years this is a dreadful blow and we are very sad about this but we cannot be responsible for bringing together so many people whilst this terrible situation exists. We just hope that the people of Sunderland will realise how much of a tradition the Dip has become. We hope and pray that we will be able to organise a Dip in 2021.”
There is however a New Year’s Day event planned at a Newcastle pool in aid of charity.
Dozens of swimmers are expected to join in when leisure operator Better opens Newcastle’s East End Pool for a dip on January 1.
People are invited to make a donation of tinned and dry goods as well as unwanted Christmas gifts and toys to a collection point for food bank Connect 25 in Byker. The East End Pool will open from 7.30am.
Pools and gyms are allowed to open in Tiers 1, 2 and 3. With Covid-safe rules in place, swim sessions must be prebooked online at www.better.org.uk or via the Better_uk app.