Nearly 600 crazy Boxing Day bathers have splashed their way into the record books in Tenby. A crowd of around 3,500 people packed every vantage point around the resort's North Beach on Monday to enjoy the colourful sight of 572 men, women, and children - many in fancy dress - charging for the water at the crack of a coastguard maroon. The swim was, however, particularly poignant for three survivors of last year's Boxing Day tsunami. Solicitor Paul Cowper, his step-daughter Jo Brindley and Will Hammond had a miraculous escape from the tidal wave which struck Tangalle, the resort where they were staying in Sri Lankan. In memory of those who had lost their lives in the tragedy, they placed orchids on the water. And it was fitting that START, the Sri Lankan Trust to Aid and Rebuild Tangalle charity, founded by Paul, his wife Jane, Jo and Will, was chosen to be one of the main beneficiaries by swim organisers, the Tenby Sea Swimming Association. The Wales Air Ambulance, the Jubilee Sailing Trust, Portfield School, Haverfordwest, and Tenby Playgroup are among the others set to benefit from the 35th annual dip, sponsored this year by Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire. The town's Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter, and her deputy, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, were not only on hand to give a civic salute, but also joined in the fancy dress theme of 'Legends', donning spectacular costumes as 'The Tenby two in tribute to the Jackson Five'. Others included a host of Elvis Presleys, The Supremes, Ancient Greeks, Knights of the Round Table and the Pied Piper of Hamlin. One swimmer who braved the briny in just a pair of swimming trunks was Shane Baird from New Zealand, who is in Pembrokeshire for Christmas visiting family in Pembroke Dock. While some dippers were out of the chilly water - said by coastguards to be around 10 degrees - and back to claim their new-style commemorative medal and t-shirt in a moment, other hardy souls frolicked in the water, with some even swimming out to the lifeboat, the RFA Sir Galahad, which was anchored just off the shoreline and made the final Boxing Day launch of her career. Soup served by Tenby and Saundersfoot Lions Club warmed the dippers up, as did the blazing beach bonfire constructed by Graham Morris and helpers. Popular DJ Steve Briers was on hand to give a festive commentary, while safety cover was provided by Tenby Surf Lifesaving Club, the RNLI, HM Coastguard and St. John Ambulance; the latter two treating two people at the scene for the effects of the cold. Prior to the dash for the splash, there was a canoe race, while the raft race, revived this year after a three-year absence, was hotly contested between Ky Wright and his team and the craft constructed by David Jones, with Ky's crew making it around the course to lift the coveted Golden Monkey trophy. Tenby Sea Swimming Association chairman Chris Osborne said he was "very impressed", with nearly 100 more swimmers than last year taking part. "We welcomed a stunning turnout, enjoyed some superb fancy dress costumes and hopefully will raise more money than ever for charity," he said. "With the support of so many people and organisations, the swim seems to get better year on year." And whilst all local eyes were on Tenby, former Saundersfoot man and Boxing Day Swim veteran Dai Roberts, who has previously staged swims over the pond when he was based at the Nato HQ in Norfolk, Virginia, USA, took the plunge in the River Thames near to where he now lives in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Swimmers from the Tenby event are asked to hand in their sponsorship money as soon as possible so that the final amount can be totalled. One youngster who has been busy collecting sponsorship was 10-year-old George McBeth, of Begelly, who along with his family, raised £1,010 in less than a week for his school, Tenby Junior School. Swimmers who took part in the dip for their own nominated charities are also asked to inform the Tenby Sea Swimming Association of their total.