HUNDREDS of New Year swimmers braved the chilly temperatures yesterday to leap into the sea in time-honoured tradition.
In Co Down, large crowds of supporters gathered at Crawfordsburn Beach to cheer on the many volunteers who took to the water in aid of Cancer Focus as part of its `Dare to Dip' event.
This year's event raised money for the charity's driving service, which takes cancer patients to and from hospital appointments.
It is essential to patients who have no other means of independent travel to get to their cancer treatment appointments.
In Co Antrim, friends and family also gathered to support those who chose to jump into the water at Carnlough Harbour for its annual New Year's Day swim.
While some swimmers dressed in brightly-coloured shorts, others wore novelty hats as they leapt into the water to the cheers of well-wishers.
In the Republic, swimmers also braved the cold in aid of the Bray Charities Sea Swim.
All funds raised during the 37th annual swim will be donated to St Vincent De Paul, Sunbeam House Dignity Packs for the Homeless, St Fergal's Resource Centre, Fassaroe Resource Centre and Ark Housing Project.
