12 Bays of Christmas festive swim

Jersey Hospice Care and National Trust for Jersey are hoping to benefit from the increased participation in sea swimming and after a fantastic first year and by popular demand it is back for 2023! It follows the successful 30 Bays in 30 Days event in the summer and 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 Ouaisne.

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 in their own limitations so there is no target time, distance or number of strokes to swim.