Northern Ireland

Festive swimmers make a splash at annual Christmas Eve charity dip in Helen’s Bay

Money raised goes towards Dementia NI and the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland

The annual Christmas Eve dip is in aid of local charities (
The annual Christmas Eve dip at Helen's Bay is in aid of local charities PICTURE: PA
By Paul Ainsworth

Hundreds of swimmers have braved the cold of the sea along the Co Down coastline as part of an annual event to raise funds for charities.

People run into the water at Helen’s Bay as take part of the annual Christmas Eve swim in aid of local charities
Participants run into the water at Helen's Bay on Wednesday PICTURE: PA (Liam McBurney/PA)

The 29th Christmas Eve dip at Helen’s Bay saw participants plunge into the waters of Belfast Lough at 11am on Wednesday, upon the signal of a bagpiper.

Hundreds take part in The annual Christmas Eve swim at Helen’s Bay, Supporting local charities. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
A warm-up before the dip at Helen's Bay PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN

Many wore Santa hats and other festive-themed swimwear as they splashed into the freezing water.

The event was first held in 1997, and this year’s charities to benefit from funds raised are Dementia NI and the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.

Hundreds take part in The annual Christmas Eve swim at Helen’s Bay, Supporting local charities. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
Thousands of pounds is raised for local charities with the Christmas Eve dip PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN
People take part in the annual Christmas Eve swim at Helen’s Bay, Co Down, in aid of local charities
Swimmers in Santa hats at Wednesday's Christmas Eve dip PICTURE: PA (Liam McBurney/PA)
Hundreds take part in The annual Christmas Eve swim at Helen’s Bay, Supporting local charities. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
Christmas Eve dippers in the sea PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN

Ahead of the swim, participants enjoyed Christmas carols, prize-givings, an exercise warm-up with fitness coaches Eamon Swail and Calvin Brennan, and more festive cheer at the popular beach, which is on the coast outside Bangor.

The Charity Air Ambulance, which will benefit from this year’s dip, requires up to £3 million a year to continue saving lives, and relies entirely on the generosity of individuals and businesses.