More than 40 swimmers taking their daily exercise, aged from just four to well over 70, completed about 70 swims within social distancing/Covid-19 regulations.
Each swimmer donated £7.50 for a wetsuit dip and £5 for a swimming costume one, and passers-by and supporters of the group chipped in online to boost the grand total.
Anne Harrison, who swam four times on the day, said: “I’m delighted the Polar Bears, a friendly, welcoming group, could find a way to do what they love best and give back to others. We had hoped to raise £500, so £1,300 is incredible!”
Cold water swimming has seen a dramatic rise in popularity since lockdown and its mental and physical benefits are well-documented. Anyone who would like to find out more about the Polar Bears can contact them via their Facebook page or check out their video ‘Swim’ on YouTube, which has already had nearly 2,500 views. Alternatively, they can be found on the beach at high tide happy to help new swimmers into the water.