Northern Ireland

Festive cheer as swimmers take the plunge for Christmas Eve Dip

Stormont minister among participants braving the cold waters at Helen’s Bay

People take part in the annual Christmas Eve swim at Helen’s Bay
Fun at the annual Christmas Eve Dip at Helen’s Bay. PICTURE: PA (Liam McBurney/PA)
By Paul Ainsworth

Crowds of swimmers have swapped traditional festive frolics for a dip in the chilly sea at the Co Down coast.

The annual Helen’s Bay Christmas Eve Dip has taken place on December 24 over the last seven years, and is organised by local sea swimming club Helen’s Baywatch.

Laura Hawkins takes part in the annual Christmas Eve swim at Helen’s Bay
Laura Hawkins takes part in the annual Christmas Eve swim at Helen’s Bay. PICTURE: LIAM MCBURNEY/PA (Liam McBurney/PA)

The event has grown in popularity since starting, and funds raised will be donated to PIPS suicide prevention charity and Marie Curie.

North Down MLA and Stormont environment minister Andrew Muir was among those to take part in the event, alongside party colleague and Ards and North Down Alliance councillor Gillian McCollum.

The Alliance Party’s Gillian McCollum and minister of agriculture, environment and rural affairs Andrew Muir take part in the annual Christmas Eve swim at Helen’s Bay
The Alliance Party’s Gillian McCollum and minister of agriculture, environment and rural affairs Andrew Muir at Helen’s Bay. PICTURE: LIAM MCBURNEY (Liam McBurney/PA)

She said: “This fantastic community event has grown from a few hardy stalwarts years ago to the pageant it is today...complete with crazy costumes and comedy warm up routines.”