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Santa Splash, a cold water swimming event on Christmas Eve, to take place at Chipstead Lake and Bewl Water

05:00, 16 December 2023

You might have heard of cold water swimming before, but you’ve probably never seen it like this.

The Santa Splash is a festive-themed cold dip that sees groups of swimmers dive head-first into the water dressed up in their silliest Santa costumes.

The Santa Splash cold water dip will take place at Bewl Water, pictured, and Chipstead Lake
The Santa Splash cold water dip will take place at Bewl Water, pictured, and Chipstead Lake

The event, hosted by TriSwim, is a chance for swimmers to take one last bracing dip before the chaos of Christmas Day begins.

The splash takes place on Christmas Eve, first with an early morning swim at Chipstead Lake in Sevenoaks, followed by a second event at Bewl Water near the Kent/Sussex border.

You can dress up in your choice of Christmas costume, whether that’s an elf hat, reindeer antlers, Christmas jumper or Santa suit.

If you go all-out and dress up in a full-sized turkey costume, you will get your next swim at the venue for free.

Cold water swimming has become a winter tradition for many people, such as the Boxing Day Dip in Deal. Picture: Stuart Brock
Cold water swimming has become a winter tradition for many people, such as the Boxing Day Dip in Deal. Picture: Stuart Brock

After the swim at Chipstead Lake, which begins at 8am, you can warm up with a cosy blanket and mince pies.

The Bewl Water swim starts at 9am and is followed by a chance to explore the lakeside area with firepits, blankets, deck chairs and festive snacks.

Cold water swimming has become a popular activity thanks to its many health benefits including improving blood circulation, strengthening the immune system, boosting metabolism and reducing stress.

You can book your space at either swim online here.

It costs £15 for TriSwim members to join, while non-members can take part in the swim for £17.

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