Weather unkind to Boxing Day Dip

This was the 20th anniversary of the annual Boxing Day Dip in support of the home, which has grown from a couple of hundred people to almost 1,000, all of whom donned swimming costumes or fancy dress to take the plunge.

Home support group vice-chairman Phil Trouteaud said that last year about 1,500 took part and raised about £6,500 for the home.

There is no entry fee as such: ‘It’s literally just putting some money in the bucket if you feel like it,’ he said.

Lt-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder and Lady Corder joined Mr Trouteaud for the countdown to the dip, but on this occasion left the swimming part to sons Alex and Andrew. ‘I spent far too much of my life being soaked by the North Atlantic to want to do it voluntarily,’ said Sir Ian.

As Andrew dressed after a quick dip, he said it was the second time he had taken part in the event: ‘It was very cold,’ he said, ‘but it’s such a great event.’

His comment was echoed by Oliver Collas, who, along with his friend, David Du Port, was dressed as Santa Claus for the occasion.

Mr Collas said this was the 18th time he had participated in the swim: ‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world,’ he said. ‘It’s become a part of island life. It’s fantastic to raise money for a good cause and enjoy the Guernsey community spirit.’

Among the youngest swimmers at Cobo were Toby Bentley, 7, and his cousin Oscar Vile, 4. This was Oscar’s first time, but Toby had done it before: ‘It was freezing cold,’ he said.

Ella Gardiner, 21, had been persuaded to take part for the first time by her friend Leonie Vidamour, 20: ‘I think she’d had some Prosecco when I asked,’ said Miss Vidamour.

Miss Gardiner said that far from the sea feeling warmer because of the wind and rain, it had had the opposite effect: ‘It made it seem warm out here,’ she said as she quickly dressed after emerging from the water.

But even so, she did not seem to have been put off taking part: ‘I might do it again,’ she said.