December 27, 2023 at 12:46 pm

PHOTOS: All The Fun Of The Christmas Day Swim In Fenit

Billy Ryle at the Fenit Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean

Seasoned Fenit Christmas Day swimmer, Billy Ryle, describes the atmosphere at the tradition on Monday…

An overcast but (mostly) dry Fenit was a virtual winter wonderland of song, music, laughter and revelry on Christmas morning as the picturesque village hosted the annual Christmas Day swim in ideal conditions.

The wonderful tradition of the Yuletide swim in Fenit was inaugurated in 1952 and has since grown to be one of the best attended swims in the country.

The huge crowd of people began to converge by the roadway and greenway on Fenit village from 11am for the noon swim with around 700 people of all ages taking part and around the same number watching on.

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All the regular Christmas Day swimmers, as well as the hardy annual plungers, were present to take part with the buzz of excitement and giddy anticipation tangible among the gathering in the car park.

Members of RNLI Fenit served up a variety of seasonal refreshments while the assembling numbers were entertained with songs and revelry.

Excited to take the plunge at the Fenit Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean

The atmosphere was electric as the swimmers lined up on the beach at 11.55am for a lively rendition of Jingle Bells.

Santa and Mrs Claus quickly had the enthusiastic swimmers under starters orders for the traditional charge to the sea at noon.

The early morning rain, which looked as if it might put a damper on proceedings, had obligingly moved on and the incoming tide looked very inviting with a gentle tidal roll.

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Michael Fox O’Connor at the Fenit Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean

The majority of swimmers did the customary three charges into the sea. All the swimmers behaved sensibly and got in, got down, got out and got warm.

The RNLI Lifeboat was also anchored off shore to provide safety cover and to sound the gong for the charge to the sea.

Many people home for Christmas turned up to be part of a wonderful occasion. A substantial cohort of first timers and young swimmers also took the plunge into the pleasantly temperate sea.

The large collection went to RNLI Fenit, whose members were in position with their collection boxes from 11am and were generously supported by the festive crowd.

The Ryle family at the Fenit Christmas Day Swim. Photo by Dermot Crean

The RNLI also provided piping hot soup, tea and coffee for one and all throughout the day. The warm refreshments went down a treat after the swim.

Then it was time to head home for a hot shower before tucking in to the turkey and ham. The appetite for the traditional fare had been nicely whetted by another unforgettable Christmas Day swim. Long may the tradition continue and may we have the health to enjoy it! Scroll down for photos…