“Stay safe if you swim on Christmas Day”

Thursday 24 December 2020

With no organised Christmas Day swims this year, those intending to brave the water are being reminded to stay safe.

In normal times, there would be at least three organised sea swims - at Havre des Pas, run by the Jersey Swimming Club; at Ouaisne, for Jersey Hospice; and at the Watersplash, run by the Jersey Surfboard Club.

These have all been called off but a number of people are still expected to take a Christmas Day dip, not least because sea swimming has grown in popularity since the island went into lockdown.

But Islanders have been warned to take care, especially if they are not used to swimming in the winter.

David Ferguson, President of the Channel Islands Surfing Federation, who helps to organise the ‘Splash swim, said: “The sea is currently 11 degrees so people not used to swimming at that temperature should only stay in for a maximum of ten minutes, or five to be safe, to avoid hypothermia.

“Also, the wind is forecast to be a Force 4 from the north, so avoid the north, west and east coasts; stick to the sheltered bays of the south if you can. Always swim with other people but remember to follow the guidelines on numbers; no one wants to see large groups congregating. 

“But for everyone who is sensible, good luck, enjoy the dip and have a great Christmas!”

Mr Ferguson added that, with low tide at 09:15 and high tide at 15:09, around 11:00 / 12:00 would be a good time to swim.

Jersey Hospice, who don’t organise the Ouaisne swim but benefit from it, asked those still intending to swim to consider still making a donation to the charity, via its website.

Both JSC President Carole Penfold and Mr Ferguson said that, although their swims didn’t support a specific cause, they thought it a good idea that Christmas Day swimmers consider making a donation to a charity that is important to them.

Pictured above: A previous Christmas Day swim in non-covid times. Credit: Jersey Surfboard Club.