New Year's Day Swims across Pembrokeshire

mgh_1264 — Brave dash: At Poppet Sands (pic. Marc Hayes)

THE COLD water didn’t discourage many around Pembrokeshire this week as the county hosted a number of New Year’s Day Swims.

There was a chilly dip at Poppet Sands where, at 2pm, the brave souls in wet suits, swimsuits and bikinis gathered 300 yards from the shoreline.

After one final deep breath, they ran towards the sea and braved the freezing temperatures. The chill factor after getting out of the water was teeth chatteringly cold.

mgh_1275 — No turning back: Running towards the sea (pic. Marc Hayes)

mgh_1368 — Victory: These young women had completed their dip (pic. Marc Hayes)

mgh_1396 — Coastguard: Overlooking the cold dip at Poppet Sands (pic. Marc Hayes)

Around 50 people also took part in a dip at West Angle Bay for the Angle Village New Years Day Swim.

Funds raised will be split between The Paul Sartori Foundation and The Welsh Air Ambulance. Hot food and drink was served as the participants shook the cobwebs away and started the New Year off with a splash!

Large crowd: Ready to take the dip at Angle (pic. Mike Hillen)

Freezing cold: The temperature didn't put off the participants at Angle (pic. Mike Hillen) — Freezing cold: The temperature didn’t put off the participants at Angle (pic. Mike Hillen)

Having fun: Spirits were high at Angle (pic. Mike Hillen)

There was also a very cold dip in the sea at Dale, before retreating to the Griffin Inn for hot chocolate, rum and roaring fires.

Freezing cold: The brave participants in the water at Dale

Huddling for warmth: It was freezing at Dale

The biggest event was held in Saundersfoot, where an estimated 1,000 people sprinted down to the freezing cold waters. The annual event, which is now more popular than ever, attracted participants from all around Wales.