Deal Boxing Day Dip held on dry land amid concerns over quality of seawater

  • ITV Meridian has been speaking to swimmers and the local community at 'NOT The Boxing Day Dip'

Swimmers who would usually take to the sea in Kent for the annual Boxing Day dip have taken part in a more unusual swim this year.

The Deal Icebreakers were advised not to swim in the sea this year due to poor water quality, so instead came up with their own alternative charity event.

Swimmers gathered at the prom on the Pier on Thursday morning (26 December) for the "Shiver Me Timbers" Cold Water Challenge.

Similar to the "Ice Bucket" challenge swimmers and fundraisers could be dunked with a bucket of cold water over their heads.

Swimmers were advised not to swim in the sea at Deal this year due to poor water quality. Credit: ITV Meridian

Speaking to ITV Meridian about the sea conditions, organiser of the Boxing Day Dip, Jonathan Groves said: "It would be negligent if we were to try and encourage people to swim under those circumstances because the important thing for us is to try and salvage something from it."

Mayor of Deal Oliver Richardson added: "When the Boxing Day dip was cancelled a couple weeks ago, the icebreakers got together and decided to put a knot the Boxing Day dip on.

"So in two weeks, all these stallholders have come up.I think that some people are going to get wet, not me, but it's going to be a good morning down in the Deal front."

Traditionally swimmers take a dip in the sea at Deal on Boxing Day. (Pictured 2023) Credit: ITV Meridian

The Deal Icebreakers first came up with the Boxing Day Dip back in 1981.

Since then The Rotary Club of Deal and The Deal Pirates are continuing the tradition with money raised going to local charities.

Local residents Nick and Julie Gabay were on the seafront to take part. Despite usually taking a dip in the sea, this year Nick threw a bucket of cold water over Julie instead.

Nick and Julie Gabay take part in the alternative Boxing Day Deal Dip. Credit: ITV Meridian

Marlene Burnham of the Rotary Club in Deal said: "Deal people are fabulous - they're amazing.

"Whenever there is something, we get together.

"I've lived here 35 years now and been involved with everything just about, and when something like this happens, they get together.

"Wonderful people."

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