Another Massive Boxing Day Dip for Newbiggin RNLI

Thursday 26 December 2019

Hundreds of competitors braved the chilly North Sea to enjoy the annual Newbiggin Boxing Day Dip despite poor weather conditions including strong winds and rough seas.

A series of photographs from today's event. — Newbiggin Boxing Day Dip 2019

The large crowds estimated to exceed 1000 on the beach and over 200 hardy souls who braved the sea were up on last year's count thanks to this established tradition of Boxing Day which was begun during the 1980's by the Ashington Lions. The throng of Boxing Day dedicated and resilient dippers, in an array of brightly coloured costumes and attires, were huddling on a chilly beach then at 11.00am as they sprinted into the freezing sea watched by the hundreds of spectators on the beach and promenade. After a few minutes in the sea the dippers all eventually retreated, up into the care of their respective groups for drying off and to reflect on their successes.

The event was organised by Newbiggin RNLI lifeboat station and has raised over £1330 today in donations for the RNLI that were realised through generous support via sponsorship together with other donations. The Newbiggin Ladies Fundraising Team volunteers also had a busy morning providing refreshments that were served during the morning from the lifeboat station. Meanwhile on the beach Newbiggin's lifeboat volunteers along with the local Coastguard teams from Newbiggin and Blyth marshalled and controlled the event on the beach with the lifeboat at sea providing seaward safety cover. Newbiggin lifeboat was launched to provide the essential event seaward safety cover. Apart from money raised for the RNLI a multitude of other charities were represented at the event and they will benefit from considerable support also.

On behalf of Newbiggin Lifeboat Station can I pass on my thanks for everyone who made this event such a success and we look forward to welcoming you again next year.

ENDS

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Richard Martin, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Newbiggin on 07980 010544 or [email protected] or Jim Rice Regional Media Manager – North East & East telephone 07810 658 072 email [email protected] or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

If you would like to find out more about Newbiggin lifeboat station, its volunteers and its heritage then take a look at the local websites

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

Another Massive Boxing Day Dip for Newbiggin RNLI

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