Hundreds of barmy bathers splashed out in balmy weather conditions to make the 45th Tenby Boxing Day Swim a huge success.

Swimmers and spectators turned out in force on a dry morning that even welcomed a glimmer of sunshine.

There was a festive party atmosphere on the resort’s North Beach, which offered shelter from the winds.

And with the sea temperature standing at a friendly 12 degrees, there were even some swimmers so keen that they went back for a second dip.

A total of 576 commemorative medals were handed out by the Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Paul Rapi, and a brigade of helpers.

The Cool Cymru fancy dress theme attracted such characters as a bunch of daffodils, Welsh ladies, rugby players, Dylan Thomas, Fireman Sam and Tom Jones.

Several dragons also made an appearance, with one of the red costumes being sported by Pembrokeshire County Council chairman, Clr. Wynne Evans.

The charity event is organised by Tenby Sea Swimming Association (TSSA), whose chairman, Chris Osborne, said: “It’s been a fantastic morning, with an impressive and enthusiastic turnout of swimmers, a big beach and ideal weather conditions.”

Thousands of pounds for charity look set to be raised by the event, with swimmers collecting either for their own good causes or those nominated by TSSA, which are the care charity Crossroads, Tenby RNLI and Tenby Surflink.

There were generous contributions to the collection buckets which raised a total of £1,567.21.

A warming beach bonfire and hot soup served up by Tenby Lions greeted swimmers as they emerged from the water.

Fancy dress winners were: adult group, Skanda Vale’s dragons; single adult, Richard Manning (Dylan Thomas); children’s group, Tenby Juniior School and single child, Harry Makepeace (dragon). They won prizes sponsored by Sainsbury’s, the Buccanneer, Tenby Leisure Centre and Clarice’s Toy Shop.

Festive music and a live commentary was provided by Steve Briers, and the morning’s beach fun got underway with the launch of Tenby’s all-weather and inshore lifeboats and the Daitanic Raft Race Challenge, where Josie Wright’s crew claimed victory.

The swim was sponsored by Oakwood Theme Park, FBM Holidays, Lewis Lewis & Co and Princes Gate Water.

See the Tenby Boxing Day Swim Facebook page for a great video of the event which was taken from aboard the Tenby lifeboat.

Pics. Gareth Davies Photography