More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
What better way to begin the New Year than by plunging into freezing cold water?
The New Year's Day dips taking place in Kent are listed below and they'll certainly wake you up from that hangover if nothing else.
Broadstairs
Traditionally the biggest in the county, the Broadstairs dip will see more than 100 brave residents march into the sea later today.
Clad in bikinis and trunks, participants are continuing the local tradition of raising funds for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).
The annual event is organised by Jill and Kenny Connell, who ran the town’s Neptune Hall for 17 years. No longer running the pub, they are inviting swimmers to meet at the Dolphin Inn instead.
People will gather at the pub at 11.45am, with the event set to kick off at midday.
Everyone is then invited back to the Dolphin for a curry and live music.
Jill said: "We’re delighted that our friends at The Dolphin are helping us to continue the tradition.
"We’re looking forward to welcoming plenty of swimmers and spectators. It’s a great way to start the New Year so come on down to the beach and help us raise money for a fantastic cause."
Chief executive of CLDF, Alison Taylor, added: "We are the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all forms of childhood liver disease and we rely on voluntary donations.
"The Broadstairs New Year’s Day dip is a wonderful tradition which has raised over £58,000 over the years - a tremendous amount for a small charity like ours.
"Good luck to everyone who is braving the chilly waters for us today."
Anyone can join the dip with no pre-booking required. A £10 donation to CLDF is requested. For further information contact Kenny Connell on 0750 5094631.
Ramsgate
The Ramsgate dip has grown in popularity over the last few years, with the Queen's Head pub hosting it once again.
It is held in memory of Joseph Brown - a baby boy who tragically passed away after being born 14 weeks early in 2012.
The dip is in aid of Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides free 'home away from home' accommodation to families while their child is in hospital.
After being approached by Joseph's parents, John and Vicky, in 2015, the Queen's Head has hosted the post-dip celebrations every year.
Participants are asked to meet in the pub at 11am, heading into the sea at midday.
The jollification will then begin with live music from Ozzie and the Uglies, along with free soup and rolls donated by the Oak Hotel.
Swimmers will also get a medal to remember the day.
Walpole Bay, Margate
More of a swim than a dip, New Year's Day revellers will also have the chance to plunge into Walpole Bay tidal pool in Margate today.
Organised by the Walpole Bay Swimmers, people are asked to meet at midday and brace themselves for the icy temperatures of the largest tidal pool in the UK.
There are plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes along the seafront to warm up in afterwards.
