Charmouth Christmas Day swim for RNLI gets the go-ahead
Plans for the traditional Christmas Day swim at Charmouth have been approved by the parish council, and once again swimmers and dippers in weird and wonderful costumes are expected to brave the waves.
Last year an estimated 2,000 people watched as some 250 swimmers took a dip in costumes ranging from penguins to dinosaurs and, of course, Santa.
Nearly £2,000 was raised for the RNLI at last year's event which again this year starts promptly at 11a.m.
The swim is being sponsored by the landlords of Charmouth's Royal Oak pub, and they will be serving mulled wine to warm up the swimmers and dippers.
Chairman of the organisers, Irene Roper, of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild, said:'Fancy dress is not compulsory but it certainly adds to the fun. We are hoping for another bumper turn out by swimmers and spectators alike.'
As usual, members of the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat will be on hand to keep an eye on everyone.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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