Romantic proposal makes waves as swimmers across Wales brave chilly waters for Boxing Day dip

Fellow swimmers congratulated the happy couple on their engagement. Credit: Gareth Davies Photography

Swimmers across Wales braved chilly waters to take part in a Boxing Day dip – with one couple even marking the occasion with a marriage proposal.

From Tenby to Llandudno, Boxing Day dip events were held around the country to raise money for various charities and organisations, or to simply enjoy the annual challenge of withstanding the winter waters with friends and family.

The Tenby dip has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities and good causes in its 52-year history. Credit: Gareth Davies Photography

In Tenby, as hundreds of dippers dashed for the water, Philip Frith, 34, went down on one knee on the sand and asked Victoria Tansey, 37, to marry him.

The proposal was carefully planned by Philip and saw the couple’s special song, Ocean Eyes by Billie Eilish, play out over the beach as the pair celebrated with a splash in the sea.

The misty conditions made the Tenby event even more surreal-looking. Credit: Gareth Davies Photography

"On our first Christmas together as a couple, Victoria surprised me by taking me to Tenby for the Boxing Day Swim – it’s honestly one of my most fond memories from the start of our relationship," said Mr Frith.

“I wanted to return her the favour of surprising her by proposing to her at this year’s swim.”

A record-breaking 1,150 festive bathers enjoyed the annual Tenby Boxing Day Swim in what is one of the country's longest-running and best-attended Boxing Day dips, now in its 52nd year.

The RNLI came out to support the event in Llandudno. Credit: Lion Clare Forrester

The fancy dress theme was superheroes in a tribute to the RNLI, meaning thousands attended Tenby’s North Beach dressed up in their best costumes.

Town mayor Dai Morgan said: “It’s great to see so many people from here, and for such a good cause.

“I just love it down on the beach on Boxing Day. The swim is such a fantastic tradition.”

Some of the dippers in Llandudno donned Santa hats and festive costumes, while others took a creative approach. Credit: Lion Clare Forrester

In Llandudno, a "record-breaking" 600 dippers entered the sea for The Lions Club of Llandudno's Boxing Day Sea Dip, with around half of them having pre-registered for the event according to organisers.

Supported by the RNLI and the Llandudno Division of St. John Ambulance Cymru, who kept a watchful eye on bathers, the event also raised money for a number of charities.

Elsewhere, swimmers celebrated the festive season with cold-water dips at coastal communities across the country.

Players, family and friends of Afan United FC took a dip in the sea at Aberavon Beach. Credit: Afan United FC

Football club Afan United FC organised a dip at Aberavon beach in Port Talbot, while brave swimmers took the plunge in the Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs in north Cardiff.

"It just makes me feel alive," said Helen Czekaj, one of the swimmers who took to the water in Cardiff."It energises me, it invigorates me, it gives me a total buzz. It's really lifted my mood," said Karen Baker, another bather at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs.

Boxing Day's mild weather was welcome news for the swimmers, with temperatures of around 10C to 12C in most of the country.

Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs, located in north Cardiff, attract open-water swimmers all year around. Credit: Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water

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