12 Bays of Christmas

Jersey Hospice Care and The National Trust for Jersey have announced a new winter fundraiser, The 12 Bays of Christmas!

Hot off the heels of the ‘30 Bays in 30 Days’ sea swimming event which raised a record amount of £36,000 for the 2 charities this summer, the 12 Bays of Christmas is aimed at encouraging the hundreds of intrepid Islanders who brave the chilly waters of the channel every day throughout the year to meet a new festive challenge.

This event was inspired by an idea dreamt up by two families in Guernsey, the Marley and Sealey families, who are all keen sea swimmers. The festive challenge encourages islanders who have continued swimming since the summer or are seasoned year-round swimmers to take a dip in 12 bays listed on a map between 1 and 31 December. Each bay on the list has a festively-themed name, for example ‘Port let it Snow’, ‘Jingle all the Quaisne’ and so on.

12 Bays of Christmas Map

The first 100 participants will receive a festive Santa hat, which will not only keep swimmers warm but also help people identify others who are taking part in the challenge and perhaps spark up a conversation.

Safety of swimmers is paramount so only those who are medically fit should consider taking part. Participants will also receive tips and information about how to stay safe during and after a cold water swim and wearing a wetsuit will be optional. The emphasis is also for people to take part within their own limitations so there is no target time, distance or number of strokes to swim as with the 30 Bays in 30 Days event.

The cost of participation is £10 for adults and £5 for children under 12 and swimmers are encouraged to raise a minimum of £12 in sponsorship.

The event is generously supported by F Nicholson & Son Limited, building, roofing and scaffolding contractors.

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