Get ready for the annual Walrus Dip!

Get ready for the annual Walrus Dip!

Plans are underway for the 32^nd annual Walrus Dip at Pembrey Country Park.

Hundreds of people are expected to take a dip in the sea on Boxing Day to raise money for good causes.  Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been raised for charities through the years ranging from West Wales children’s cancer charity, LATCH to the British Heart Foundation.

Leisure executive board member Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “The Walrus Dip is one of Carmarthenshire’s most traditional and most colourful events in the calendar.  Now in its third decade, the event always brings a fantastic atmosphere and gives the opportunity for everyone to let their hair down and brave the Boxing Day waves while raising money for charity at the same time.”

Participants are encouraged to dress in fancy dress.  Panto season traditionally comes alive on the sands with Santas and sumo wrestlers, pantomime dames and superheroes making a dash for the freezing surf.

The event, which was established in 1984, will be kicked off by council chairman Cllr Eryl Morgan who will also be handing out certificates to the chilly participants on the day.

Those braving the challenge are being asked to arrive by 10.30am to avoid congestion at the park entrance, and to be at the start line by 10.45am.  Admission is free.

The dip kicks off at 11am, and participants are being advised that due to the tides this year, there will be a 10 minute walk to the start line.

Since its inception in 1984, only two dips have been cancelled. One due to an oil spill, and another when the sea froze over. Organisers are hoping for good conditions this year. The event is supported by the RNLI and Coastguard who will be in attendance.

This year a Walrus Dip event is being set up on the Pembrey Country Park Facebook page, people are welcome to send their photographs of this year’s event, plus ones from previous years.