HARDY locals took the plunge at the Royal West of Scotland Amateur Boat Club’s New Year’s Day swim.
Around 40 people braved the chilly waters of the Clyde at the Greenock clubhouse’s beach on Monday afternoon as the annual event returned.
Many of those who took part wore bunnets, scarves and Santa hats to help them cope with the wintry temperatures.
After enjoying a quick swim in the river, the swimmers and their spectators went inside for tea and coffee, and raised around £100 for Ardgowan Hospice through a charity bucket collection.
Joe Heffernan, honorary secretary at RWSABC, told the Telegraph that the club was now looking forward to a busy 2024.
He said: “The conditions were ideal - the water temperature was seven degrees, there was no wind and the sun had gone down a bit behind the hill.
“We had plenty of spectators along the Esplanade and the hall was open for hot drinks after.
“We had a tin for donations at the tea and coffee and we raised about £100 for the hospice, which we were very pleased about.
“It was a good occasion and we had two kayakers out to provide safety cover.
“We encourage the people taking part to stay in for around five minutes, rather than doing a dip. That way you get over the cold water shock.
“It’s really quite enjoyable and you could see that on everyone’s faces.
“It was a good way to start off our year, our membership is doing well, and we have lots of social activities coming up on the schedule.
“We’ve very grateful to our kayakers Eric Brooke and Tom Kator who gave us the safety cover and helped ensure it was a good afternoon.”
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