New Year’s Day Dips and Swims in Wales Face Uncertainty due to Weather Warnings
As the dawn of a new year approaches, many across Wales are accustomed to bracing the icy waters for a refreshing dip to kick-start the year ahead. However, this year, Mother Nature seems to have different plans as severe weather conditions loom over the traditional New Year’s Day swims and dips across the country. The Met Office has issued weather warnings, predicting winds reaching speeds of up to 75 mph, particularly affecting coastal regions in the west and south.
Due to the challenging weather forecast, numerous planned events for New Year’s Day have been forced to either reschedule or cancel. Some iconic swims and dips across Wales are facing uncertainty, while others remain steadfast in their decision to proceed as scheduled. Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim, known as one of the largest swims, is set to go ahead, with a considerable 2100 swimmers already registered to take the plunge in Pembrokeshire.
Lido Ponty’s New Year’s Day Swim is also currently slated to proceed, with tickets for the event already sold out. Despite the positive outlook, the Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council is closely monitoring the weather, prepared to make necessary adjustments if conditions deteriorate. On the other hand, Barry Island’s New Year’s Dip in Vale of Glamorgan remains on the calendar, albeit with a caution against venturing too far into the sea for safety reasons.
In contrast, several events have not been as fortunate and have had to be either cancelled or postponed for the safety of participants. The St David’s Penknife Club swim at Whitesands Bay Beach stands among the cancelled swims, with the RNLI St David’s Lifeboat issuing warnings against sea entry due to the absence of lifeguard services. Similarly, the RNLI Porthdinllaen New Year’s Day Dip has been postponed, with plans to announce a rescheduled date and provide refunds to registered participants in the coming days.
The Newport Mayor’s New Year’s Day Swim at Parrog has also succumbed to the weather’s unpredictability, prompting the cancellation of the event. Likewise, the Angle New Year’s Day Dip, aimed at fundraising for the Paul Sartori Foundation, has been rescheduled to February 1, 2025, following a Yellow Weather Warning. The safety of participants, volunteers, and staff remains a top priority in all decisions, emphasising the importance of cautious planning amidst the changing weather patterns.
As the clock ticks closer to the New Year, the fate of these cherished traditions hangs in the balance, reflecting the ever-present influence of nature’s whims. While some remain undeterred by the elements, others have had to bow down to the forces of wind and waves, prioritising safety above all else. Whether cancelled or continued, these New Year’s Day dips and swims serve as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Welsh spirit in the face of adversity.