Saundersfoot Beach was once again the place to be to welcome in the New Year in style, as an incredible 3,323 registered swimmers braved the icy waters, while thousands of spectators gave their support to the 40th annual Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim - the largest festive dip in the UK!

Organisers would like to thank everyone involved in the running and support of the event.

The charitable event continues to grow year on year, with an estimated crowd of over ten thousand people gathering for the swim.

Entertainment on the beach included Pembrokeshire Boot Scooters, who kicked off the warm-up for our 40th anniversary swim, dancing to House of Bamboo with our mascot Charlie Shivers joining thousands of swimmers dancing on the sand.

Sam Hughes and Jo, along with dancers from Escape Youth Musical Theatre, led the warm-up, while the crowd joined together for a powerful rendition of Status Quo’s Rockin’ All Over the World.

The swim countdown was started with a firework launch, courtesy of Westcoast Fireworks, who have continued to support and sponsor our event, we are extremely grateful.

The swimmers certainly did not disappoint with their fancy dress outfits. Janine Lewis and Martyn Williams had the very difficult task of judging both the group and individual fancy dress competitions.

Thanks goes to Harbwr Bar and Kitchen for kindly donating vouchers for the prizes. With such a high standard of costumes, judging was no easy task, winners of the group fancy dress went to Saundersfoot Trotters while Mick Booth won the best individual award.

All swimmers were captured on camera by local photographer Gareth Davies, who has attended every Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim since the event began [photographs can be obtained from Gareth Davies Photography on 07836 334436].

Saundersfoot Festivities Chairman Chris Williams said: “The village and wider community have done us proud once again. Forty years ago, we could never have imagined that this event would grow into something of this scale and national recognition. Our driving force has always been the many fantastic charities that benefit from the swim. Four decades on, the event continues to evolve and grow, raising thousands of pounds for good causes.

“The support from Saundersfoot, surrounding areas and visitors from much further afield has been incredible. The numbers in the village over the last few days has been staggering and has provided a welcome boost to local businesses. We sincerely hope this wonderful tradition continues for many years to come.”

The swim continues to evolve, and this is the third year that online registration and ticketing has been in place. This has helped manage swimmer safety and cover the many hidden costs associated with delivering such a large-scale event.

Particular thanks go to Vicky, Simon and Charlotte for managing social media and registrations, with Charlotte capturing the build-up and the event itself. The committee has also worked with Gareth Hurlow of Taf Valley coaches who provided a park & ride from Kilgetty from 10am for those wishing to visit the event.

This was very much appreciated and thank you Taf Valley for their sponsorship.

Thanks also go to Côr Y Môr ladies’ choir, who presented medals to the swimmers and it was fitting for Delwyn Williams to officially start the swim in its 40th year, along with past and present members of Saundersfoot Community Council. Thank you to Wheelers for their design and support of the new swim medal.

As costs have increased year on year, it has become increasingly difficult to host an event of this size free of charge. The introduction of online ticketing has helped secure the future of the swim while also generating additional funds for the many charities and worthwhile causes that benefit.

This event would not be possible without the dedication of the committee, safety marshals, bucket collectors and the many volunteers who give their time on the day. Their support is invaluable.

Saundersfoot Festivities Chairman Chris Williams continued: “We would also like to thank all sponsors and local businesses for their continued and generous support. Some sponsors have been with us for over 25 years, with many others supporting the event for 15 to 20 years.

“We are extremely grateful for their loyalty and commitment to the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim.

“Our thanks also extend to our event safety partners: South Wales Water Safety, Pembroke Paddlers, Saundersfoot Sailing Club, HM Coastguard, The RNLI, St John’s Ambulance, Tenby Fire Brigade, Dyfed-Powys Police and Pembrokeshire County Council.

“A special thanks go to, Salt on the Strand, Dan Roach and Partners, Hean Castle Estate, Nicola Gandy & John Cray and the team at Saundersfoot Harbour, Andrew Evans, Anthony Phillips, Dan Edison, Benny Bond, Rhodri Lewis and Sion Brace of Caldey Construction, who all play a significant role in the swim.

“This year, we also worked with venues across the village to provide welcoming spaces for families and residents and thanks go to Tony Jones and Kathy at the Sands, Saundersfoot for making their venue available from 12.30pm onwards, with 80s-themed music to mark our return to the decade when the swim began.

“Finally, thank you to the residents and businesses on the Strand for their support of the road closure. This is essential to ensure the safety of the swimmers and spectators attending. We are grateful to Ron Skinner and Son for providing a vehicle for mitigation at the entrance to the Strand and for their continued support.

“Thank you to everyone who registered this year and completed sponsor forms can be handed in at Salt on the Strand. We will be in touch with swimmers after the event regarding photos, fundraising totals and charity promotion, with further details of a presentation event to follow by the end of January.”

For further information, please visit: www.saundersfootfestivities.co.uk/nyds