Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Mark Simpson, a community correspondent for BBC News Northern Ireland, reports on the annual Christmas Eve swim held at Helen’s Bay beach in County Down. This festive event saw about 500 participants plunging into the cold water, while another 500 spectators gathered along the shore to watch the celebration. The swim, which has become a tradition over the past 29 years, is organized by the local open water swim group known as Helen’s Baywatch.
Many of those taking part embraced the holiday spirit by donning Santa hats or vibrant red swimwear as they braved the chilly sea. Among the swimmers were notable figures including Andrew Muir, the Environment Minister, Gillian McCollum, the mayor of Ards and North Down, and former Irish rugby player Trevor Ringland. Speaking about the experience, Minister Muir described the dip as “reinvigorating for body and mind” and a fitting way to begin the Christmas festivities.
When questioned on efforts to enhance water quality around Northern Ireland’s coastline, including at Helen’s Bay, Andrew Muir emphasized that this matter remains “top of my agenda.” Although the majority of the swimmers hailed from County Down and the greater Belfast area, several arrived from further afield locations such as Enniskillen, Portadown, and Ballymena to take part in the event.
While most participants stayed in the water only briefly, a few dedicated swimmers extended their dip to as long as 20 minutes. The annual Christmas Eve swim continues to attract a mix of local enthusiasts and visitors, maintaining its place as a cherished community tradition in the lead-up to the holiday season
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.