This New Year’s Day will see the 36th Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Charity Swim take place, with everyone urged to join in the fun and make it the best yet.

Last year, the swim attracted over 2000 swimmers and generated over £57,000 benefitting 53 charitable and worthwhile causes. Over the years, the swim has raised over £500,000.

The swim starts at 12.30pm and the swimmers will be sent on their way to the waves with a firework launch, courtesy of Westcoast Fireworks, while DJ Benny Bond will be on hand to give the event his usual seasonal commentary.

Members of the Cast & Crew Performing Arts School will again be there to warm up the swimmers with a ‘Party Time Disco’ session with tunes from the past! NYDS 2020 will be started by Michelle Evans-Fecci, the star of this year’s Great British Bake Off.

The event will be photographed by Gareth Davies so make sure you are smiling!

Each swimmer will be presented with a medal and there will be a prize for best fancy dress individual and group entries.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO RAISE MONEY

Martyn Williams, chairman of Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim said: “The swim has become an integral part of the festive season for this area. I would also like to encourage all swimmers to raise as much money as possible for their chosen charity or worthy cause. We will ensure that every penny raised will go to that charity. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank once again the swim’s sponsors for their generous support”.

If you are holidaying in the Saundersfoot area over the New Year, why not join in the swim. It attracts thousands of spectators, who flock to the village to revel in the celebrations and cheer the thousand or so brave swimmers who don fancy dress outfits to take the plunge and raise money for worthwhile causes.

TRANSPORT & CAR PARKING

All swimmers and spectators are advised to get to the event early to avoid congestion. Organisers have been liaising with a number of organisations and businesses to ensure all available car parking areas in the village are open. If you know family or friends within the village, it may be advisable to use their driveways or consider car sharing. Organisers are again working with Taf Valley Coaches to have a ‘Park & Ride’ service, which will operate from Kilgetty Tourist Information Centre and the village between 10.30am and 2.30pm – please view Facebook (Charlie Shivers) for the latest information. Taf Valley Coaches will provide the service free of charge, however a £1 charitable donation would be welcome.

Sponsor forms are still available from Elements of Pembrokeshire, The Strand, Saundersfoot, alternatively, you can visit the swim’s website at www.saundersfootnyds.co.uk and download your own form. Also keep up to date with the build by following Charlie Shivers on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram @CharlieShivers. The swim’s rugby and polo shirts are also available at Elements.

CHARLIE SHIVERS’ SAFETY TIPS FOR SWIMMERS

If you suffer from any medical condition, please consult a doctor beforehand

No entering the water under the influence of alcohol.

Keep warm before the swim, especially your feet.

Enter the water sensibly and be considerate to other swimmers.

Do not stay in the water too long. Avoid prolonged exposure to the cold.

Stay within one’s depth whilst in the water.

If you feel unwell whilst in the water please contact a lifeguard or a member of the emergency services or if in the water raise your arm in the air. There will be medical assistance available.

Children to be under the control of parents or designated adult.

Please adhere to the guidance and instructions of the Lifeguards, Stewards and Emergency Services.

Once out of the water, please dry yourself immediately and put on warm clothes. Experienced swimmers suggest having a ‘towel buddy’ nearby on the beach.

We hope that everyone will heed the above advice, but please note that all swimmers enter the sea at their own risk.

Any further information regarding the swim can be found on the website www.saundersfootnyds.co.uk, including safety advice for those swimming.

The swim’s organisers are proud to announce that the main sponsors for the 2020 Swim are: Powells Cottage Holidays, Harbour Wealth Independent Financial Planners, Scaffold 2000, Sunnyvale Holiday Park, Broughton Leisure Ltd, Silver Lily, Princes Gate Spring Water, Elston Construction, Folly Farm, Taf Valley Coaches, Sue’s Pantry, Saundersfoot Pleasure Boats, 1 Formula Fitness, Little & Large Lite Bites, Synter MINI, Lewis, Lewis & Co Ltd, Mike Wealleans PVCu Specialist, Neil Finlay Cars, NBSM, The Antiques Shop, Pembrokeshire Engineering and Pembrokeshire Tyres & MOT.