A record number of bathers in Amroth celebrated the New Year in style with a dip in the sea. A total of 82 swimmers, many in fancy dress, braved the briny on Saturday to take part in the 17th New Year's Day Swim to raise funds for charity. As a result of their brave, or some would say mad effort, over the last 16 years, local charities have benefited to the tune of £60,000. And this year, it is anticipated that bumper sums will again have been raised. Two of the charities that will benefit this year are Tenby RNLI and the Wales Air Ambulance, as well as other local charities and good causes. The Amroth Dippers also raised £1,600 through a raffle and auction for the Tsunami Disaster Fund. Included in this sum was a donation from four members of staff at the Amroth Arms who took the plunge to raise money for the appeal. In addition, proceeds from a New Year's Eve buffet at the pub were given to the cause. "The swim has really become a big occasion in Amroth and we had the best ever turnout this year," said Roger Harries, of the Amroth Arms. "There was a brilliant atmosphere and even the weather was kind to us because it stopped raining just as we were about to go in the water," he continued. "All in all, a great time was had by all."