A new event made a splash on Weymouth Beach as locals turned out to take a dip and have some fun.
Despite heavy rain in the morning, the Weymouth Water Fest on Sunday was well attended by more than a hundred people, and even enjoyed the occasional spot of sunshine - not that those in attendance minded the cold.
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This free event is aimed at Weymouth residents – both adults and children – who want to increase their confidence in a range of water sports including sea swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
Many sea swimmers enjoyed having a splash, particularly with the finale - doing the Hokey Cokey in the water.
Rachael Craig from the Black Pigs group says sea swimming has 'absolutely changed' her life. She said: "I had severe depression and joined the black pigs in 2021.
"Through their kindness and seas swimming, I have improved hugely. I haven't looked back.
"This event has been absolutely brilliant. I hope they do it again next year."
Jo Goodwin swims with the Blue Tits. She said: "It is good to see everybody gathered together. I have been having fun."
Chris Stewart, another member of the Blue Tits, said: "I think the event has been a great success. We have a few new swimmers joining our group which is great."
Weymouth Town Councillor Helen Toft is a sea swimmer herself. She said: "I think it has been a great success for a first event.
"Sea swimming is a really sociable thing to do and we thought we wanted something outside of the tourist season for the locals to discover something new.
"It has started really well, and I hope it becomes part of the Weymouth calendar."
The event was first proposed by Christine James when she was a town councillor. She said: "It is nice to see so many people on and in the water. I am really pleased it has happened, I think everything has gone right."
There was also musical entertainment provided by Dorset Wrecks, Wey Bay Rockers, and Weymouth Ukuleleans.
This event was held in a partnership between Weymouth Town Council and Adventure4All, Revive Wild Sauna, Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre, sea swim groups including Bluetits of Weymouth and Beach Babes along with Everyone Active, Surf Life Saving Club, Weymouth & Portland Water Polo Club and Weymouth RNLI.
The event is different from Waterfest Weymouth, a maritime festival that was held in Weymouth for three years between 2014 and 2016.
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