Hardy swimmers brave sub-zero temperatures to take New Year's Day plunge in Stokes Bay

The Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (Gafirs) New Year’s Day Swim at Stokes Bay was scrapped after the region was placed in tier four amid rising coronavirus infection rates.

But despite the official event being cancelled, a smattering of brave individuals still decided to take on the icy challenge.

Gosport friends Stuart Lovibond and Connor Wornham, both 26, opted to continue their routine of swimming in the bay every Friday since the summer after taking part in the global health phenomenon Win the Morning Win the Day.

Stuart said: ‘It was cold - but it could have been colder. We swam out for two or three minutes and that was enough. Once you get your breath you're ok.

‘It’s nice to start 2021 on a good note. Pouring warm water on afterwards felt good.

‘It’s a shame Gafirs and other charities will miss out this year from the donations but keeping everyone safe is the most important thing.’

Connor added: ‘I started doing the swim in August when it was warm and just decided to carry it on. It’s a good start to the day and a good start to the New Year.’

Maria Davis, 44, decided to take the plunge for the first time alongside seasoned swimmer Anna Wardley, 45, who has swum around the Isle of Wight and performed at the World Ice Championships.

‘It was cold but wasn’t as bad as I thought,’ Maria, who lives in Gosport, said. ‘I was excited and nervous about doing it but I’m pleased I’ve done it. It helps with your mental health.’

Anna, who swims regularly in the bay, said: ‘It was lovely - it makes you feel alive and is very invigorating. With the cold temperature outside the differential with the water wasn’t that different.

‘Compared with swimming on the Russian-Finnish border in the World Ice Championships it was tropical.

‘It’s a shame thousands of people couldn’t be here for the event like normal so we are keeping the tradition going.

‘People do it for all sorts of personal reasons. During the first lockdown we weren’t allowed to swim in the sea which was difficult.

‘You can’t go to the swimming pool now so the sea is the only place to go. It is a freedom we don’t want to lose.’

Gosport mum Amanda Rowe, 49, and her 20-year-old son Harrison Roser embraced the challenge. ‘It wasn’t too bad, my toes were painful afterwards though,’ Harrison said.

‘It’s been more of a mental challenge with not many others doing it but it’s been a nice way to see in the New Year.’

Robert Ellis, 18, was another who braved the Solent. ‘It wasn’t as cold as last year,’ the Gosport resident said.

‘I was meant to be doing it with some mates but they were too scared. It wasn’t as bad as I expected. I like the mental resilience it gives you. It also helps your body produce more white blood cells.’

Local mum and daughter, Rebecca and Alexandra Earl, said it was ‘absolutely freezing’ but told The News it was ‘special’ and a ‘great way to make memories’.

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