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It was 8 ° C when the tough swimmers entered the sea for a Christmas day dip in Co Down.
The festive sweaters were removed, but the reindeer and Santa hats remained on as members of a local club walked down the stands and into the Irish Sea with hardly a shudder.
A pale winter sun and the whitewashed Donaghadee Lighthouse provided the backdrop.
Kathleen Monteverde said it was an exhilarating experience, adding, “It’s something I always admired other people doing and never thought I could do it.
“I started in February and aiming to achieve the whole year for the first time.”
He started swimming in the sea wearing a wetsuit and that turned into “skin swimming”.
“It definitely wakes you up and sets you up for the day because Christmas can be very stressful, it is very busy.
“It’s cool, you’re just grounded and ready for the day.”
She said it was also a conscious experience: “You feel the cold rise through every part of you and you just enjoy it.
“It’s really inspiring, but it’s also about the company and making new friends.”
The numbers were expected to be limited this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, rising infection rates and pressure on health services.
Northern Ireland enters a strict lockdown after Christmas Day, but there was still a joyous atmosphere in the harbor, with a woman dancing among the waves.
Jill McClements said her mother was 86 years old and had been swimming for 80 years in Newcastle, Co Down, extolling the benefits of friendship and how good it left her feeling.
She added: “This is the first year I’ve been swimming during the winter and I think she’s really delighted.
“Actually, I think I’m the favorite daughter right now, yay.”
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