Brave the waves and get ready for the annual Walrus Dip

Pembrey Country Park’s Boxing Day Walrus Dip on Cefn Sidan Beach is back this year after taking a break due to the pandemic last year.

People are being encouraged to brave the waves and join hundreds of others by taking a dip in the sea to raise money for a cause close to your heart.

People of all ages take part for a variety of charities, with most donning fancy dress and colourful Christmas costumes – but if you’re not brave enough why not come along anyway to witness this spectacular event.

It is a 11am prompt start.  Everyone needs to arrive in their fancy dress at least 30 minutes early to ensure they get to the tide line by 11am for the brief opening ceremony.

The Walrus Dip, supported by the RNLI and Coastguard, was established in 1984 and has run every year since, except on three occasions – one due to an oil spill, another when the sea froze over and last year due to the Covid pandemic restrictions.

It will be kicked off by council chairman Cllr Eirwyn Williams who will also be handing out certificates to the chilly participants on the day.

Carmarthenshire County Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, said: “The Walrus Dip is one of the most colourful events in the calendar and raises a lot of money for local charities. I have taken part in this event myself and what a fantastic atmosphere it was.”

Spectators are advised to wear suitable footwear. Dippers should take warm appropriate clothing and towelling to the tide line to ensure they have some warmth after coming out of the sea.

Participation is free and certificates will be handed out to all participants. Admission to Pembrey Country Park will be free.

The council say that the event will only be cancelled in case of extreme weather conditions that would threaten the safety of participants and spectators, in event of an emergency or changes to Covid regulations.