Hundreds take plunge in Polar Bear swim
HUNDREDS of hardy souls swapped turkey for trunks and Brussels sprouts for bikinis for a Christmas Day plunge in the sea held in glorious weather at La Vallette bathing pools.
The Polar Bear swim, organised by the Guernsey Swimming Club, has become an increasingly popular event, and at 9.30am more than 100 certificates had already been issued.
It was easy to spot the regular sea swimmers from the brave have-a-go-at-Christmas ones, because of the amount of shrieking and hyperventilating involved.
Also a lot of the regular swimmers have towelling robes similar to those boxers wear, and some of them get changed standing on a special circular thing, which keeps their feet off the cold rock.
‘It’s fine once you’re in’ yelped Ben Munroe, whilst enthusiastically swimming several widths.
He is not a year-round sea swimmer, but loves to come with his family on Christmas Day.
‘It’s brilliant, I enjoy it every year, that’s the Guernsey Christmas for me, you won’t get that anywhere else.
‘It’s my mum’s fault because she made us come here about eight years ago and we’ve been coming ever since.
‘It takes your breath away but it’s the best feeling, you certainly feel very alive.’
Tatum Le Patourel has been doing the Polar Bear swim every year for around a decade.
‘This year I was in the longest I’ve ever been in, I think because the sun’s out and there’s so many of us, we were probably in for a good 10 minutes.’
Some of the swimmers were ploughing up and down doing lengths and looking relaxed, whilst others took a brisker option.
Fae Clerey was in the latter camp.
‘I do feel a bit of a fraud because I only went in for about a second, but it’s a really lovely way to start the day, I only do it every so often, but I love the atmosphere, everyone is so festive, lots of people dress up, everyone bands together and there are shots of vodka beforehand and coffee afterwards.’
There was some debate about the best way to get in. David Clerey was convinced he knew the right answer.
‘I go off the diving board, people who walk in are very brave, it’s straight in for me and I did about three widths.’
Jo Norman, from the GSC, was handing out the certificates, and was delighted with the atmosphere and camaraderie.
‘This is beautiful and it’s a wonderful turnout, but it’s always enjoyable whatever the weather because this was where the Guernsey Swimming Club was formed in 1886, so it’s very important to us.’
