It’s time to take the plunge again

The event, organised by Weymouth and Portland Lions Club, has become a huge event in recent years involving around 250 swimmers plus the thousands who come to watch before enjoying Christmas dinner.

Organisers estimate a crowd of between 4,000 and 5,000 regularly turns out for the spectacle and similar numbers are expected next week.

The first swim was held in 1947 and involved just two people. It was organised for many years by Weymouth Swimming Club.

The Lions raise more than £2,000 for local good causes through registration fees and a collection on the day – but say more than £10,000 is generated by participants for their own nominated charities.

Swimmers range in ages from seven to over 70. They swim about 95 metres across the wide part of the harbour from the Old Rooms Inn to the Royal Dorset Yacht Club.

Organiser Mark Lockie said: “When I first got involved in 1988 a handful of people came to watch 10 swimmers. It’s grown in popularity over the years.

“Considering the whole thing is for less than an hour the amount of people who turn out now is just incredible.

“There are so many swimming we have to do the races in groups of 50.”

He added: “People from all over the country to watch or take part.

“I’m told a family from Oxford are travelling down this year just to watch.”

Registration is at the Old Rooms Inn from 9.45am-10.45am and the first race is at 11am. People can just turn up on the day and register but can also download application forms from the Lions Club website wey mouthlionsclub.co.uk Pontoonworks Beaches will again be supplying the ‘landing beach’ which makes getting out of the water easier and safer.

Weymouth Canoe Lifeguards and MV Freedom will be providing safety cover.

It costs £5 to enter and those under 16 must have parental permission.

Swimmers should be reasonably fit and are advised not to drink alcohol the night before.

For details and entry forms call Mark Lockie on 07971 441214.