Brave swimmers invited to take a Christmas Day charity dip at Ilfracombe Harbour

People of all ages are invited to don their best Christmas sparkle, hats, tinsel and crimbo cossies for a festive dip at Ilfracombe harbour tomorrow morning (December 25) to raise money for the RNLI.

The Christmas Day dip has become a very popular annual event and all are welcome to meet at the slipway by the lifeboat station at 10.30am and join the fun.

This year the event is being overseen and organised by coaches and founders Terri Ingram and Allie Kaufman from Coastal Swim Coaching, with hot drinks provided after by the RNLI.

Above: Credit: Simon Ellery

The dip has become an Ilfracombe Christmas tradition and always proves very popular with lots of people in attendance.

Terri Ingram said: “Allie and I would really like to see as many people as possible join us at the harbour in the morning, so let’s get together for a dip, have some fun and raise as much as we can for our brilliant RNLI!”

The sea temperature is currently 10.5 degrees C but a strong north easterly wind is forecast for tomorrow, although the harbour itself should be quite sheltered but a chilly day is predicted.

Nonetheless it should be a magical Christmas community event in the water. Coastal Swim Coaching has issued the following advice to help swimmers enjoy the event without overdoing it!

Cold water safety – please read

Cold water is exhilarating, but it comes with risks.

* Acclimatise slowly — don’t rush straight in

* Keep your swim short — festive dips are all about fun, not distance

* Never swim alone — stay close to others and listen to safety briefings

* Know your limits — cold shock can hit fast; exit the water immediately if you feel breathless or light-headed

* Warm up gradually, dry clothes, hat, layers, warm drink and gentle movement