BOXING DAY SWIMS -HERE’S WHERE YOU CAN TAKE THE PLUNGE ON TUESDAY

Fancy a chilly dip this Christmas? Then why not head to 1 of the many Boxing Day swims that are taking place across the Island on Tuesday… A widespread offering of swims in Ventnor, Ryde and Gurnard will all get the pulses racing at this chilly time of year. Those wanting to head to the Ventnor swim will need to be down at the Esplanade for 12:00 midday when those brave enough to take the plunge head into the water. Collection buckets will be on show throughout the event with monies raised going to Peoples Approach to Cancer Health (PATCH), Ventnor Carnival, Ventnor Foodbank and Wroxall Foodbank. Over in Ryde, swimmers will head off down the beach from The Big Kahuna/Ryde Lifeguard Station, when the air horn sounds at the earlier time of 10:00. Lifeguards will be volunteering to provide cover for the swim, so any donations are welcome to support them in their cause. In the North Wight, brave sea-goers will plunge into the pebbly waters in Gurnard from Gurnard Green at 11:00. Monies raised will go to The Wave Project in honour of Tayla Wright. In Shanklin – down at Small Hope Beach – swimmers will be setting off from The Salix – Beach Cafe on the revetment from 12:30. Everyone is welcome, including dogs. Monies raised will be going to Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat. There will also be a ‘dip’ in Sandown at 12:00 – those wishing to take part should meet by Pebbles Cafe. For all events, swimsuits, wetsuits and even fancy dress are encouraged.