Activities Newbiggin United Kingdom

Hundreds of competitors braved the chilly North Sea to enjoy the annual Newbiggin Boxing Day Dip.

The event was organised by Newbiggin lifeboat station and it is expected to raise over £680 in donations for the RNLI realised through generous support via sponsorship and donations along with refreshments that were served during the morning in the lifeboat station. In addition many other charities were represented at the event and they will benefit from considerable support also.

Almost 400 dippers took part at around 11.00am as they sprinted into the chilly sea watched by spectators on the beach and promenade. After a few minutes in the sea the dippers all eventually retreated and reflected on their successes.

ENDS

For further details please contact 20.

RNLI/Richard Martin

RNLI/Richard Martin

Key facts about the RNLI

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland from 237 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland lifeboat stations at Loch Ness, Lough Derg, Enniskillen and Lough Ree. Additionally the RNLI has more than 1, 000 lifeguards on over 180 beaches around the UK and operates a specialist flood rescue team, which can respond anywhere across the UK and Ireland when inland flooding puts lives at risk.

The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140, 000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4, 600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3, 000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.