Hardy Whitstable RNLI supporters who braved the chilly water for the Boxing Day dip RNLI Photo: Chris Davey
Lifesavers and supporters plunged into the freezing Whitstable waters on Boxing Day morning, all in the name of a good cause!
“It was absolutely exhilarating!” cheered Jen Shearman, who braved the icy waters alongside her friend Sarah Zuniga. “Sarah’s been raving about winter swimming, so I thought, why not? The conditions were perfect – calm and beautiful.”
From young people to pensioners, the crowd braved the chilly North Sea, with many diving straight in while others cautiously waded. The atmosphere was electric as families and friends cheered them on, and the lifeboat standing by just offshore.
First-timer Lisa Faulkner admitted, “I figured it was something you just had to do at a certain age! And it was all for a fantastic cause.”
Jo Fenton, Joint Chair of Fundraising, was delighted with the turnout. “We had 70 pre-registered, but more joined on the day, making it a huge success!” she said. “Everyone seemed to enjoy the experience, and we’re thrilled to have raised around £700 for the RNLI.”
This event marks the station’s first-ever sponsored dip, and it’s already been hailed a resounding success!