Another record-breaking number of swimmers took part in Hornsea Inshore Rescue’s New Year’s Day fun swim.
More than 360 entered a calm but cold North Sea on January 1, and the sun made a rare appearance.
All of the swimmers, many in fancy dress, signed in at the boathouse and went through a pre-swim safety briefing and then a brisk preparatory workout led by coxswain Steve Hall and CEO/station manager Sue Hickson-Marsay MBE.
Then on the stroke of midday, the band of swimmers, led by a Scottish piper and the Hornsea Inshore Rescue crew, made their way through the crowds of spectators down to the beach and into the sea, accompanied by rounds of applause from the 3,500 or so onlookers.
This year, many of the swimmers stayed in the water longer than usual, and proceedings were closely watched by the Hornsea Inshore Rescue crew and the charity’s two rapid response rescue jet-skis.
Teas, coffees and hot chocolate drinks were served by lifeboat volunteers and mulled wine was also available to warm the swimmers once they came out of the water. Many onlookers also availed themselves of a welcome warm drink.
Several volunteers also carried collection buckets among the crowds. A total of £4,241.25 was raised on the day, with more donations expected to come in as the sponsorship forms are returned.
This money will make a significant addition to the £55,000 annual running costs to keep the lifeboat afloat, said Sue Hickson-Marsay.
She said: “This has been one of our most successful New Year’s Day swims. The weather was kind and it was a joy to see so many people smiling, laughing and having a really good time.
“The magnificent donations are a wonderful start to 2024 which will be very exciting as we launch our new state-of-the-art lifeboat later this month. Many thanks to all the swimmers, the spectators and all our volunteers. A very happy new year to you all.”
- More pictures in the print edition this week!
