The organisers of Saundersfoot’s popular New Year’s Day Swim have stated they are ‘disappointed’ to announce that for the second year running that the event will not go ahead.

The charity event was cancelled at the start of this year, due to Covid restrictions surrounding the pandemic, and due to return on January 1, 2022, but the organisers have said that a unanimous decision has been made by members of the Swim’s health and safety group to call it off once again.

“Whilst we recognise that things have undoubtedly improved, even the introduction of Level 1 restrictions would make it impossible to run the event safely,” said a spokesperson for the NYDS.

“In this situation the total number of participants and spectators would be limited to 4,000 and social distancing rules would need to be implemented.

“Given the large crowds that the swim attracts, it would be impossible for us to achieve Covid compliance.

“The New Year’s Day Swim is a community event and so we must consider the interests of all within the community.

“We cannot risk any increase in pressure on the emergency services that have always supported us to run the event safely.

“We know this decision will be disappointing to the many charitable and worthy causes the Swim supports; the 2019 and 2020 Swims each generated over £50,000, but after 36 successful years we must continue to prioritise the safety of all those attending.

“Rest assured, if all is well in 2023, the Swim will be back and better than ever!” they added.