GAFIRS New Year's Day Swim 2012

30 years ago GAFIRS created a local tradition: They invited crew, members and friends to join them for a quick dip in the sea at Stokes Bay on New Year's morning in order to burn off a few calories and to blow the cobwebs away after the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

As time progressed, it seemed a logical progression to invite others to join in the fun and frolicking, especially those who wanted to raise money for GAFIRS and one or two other charities. One thing led to another and before too long, it became a truly visible event with most 'dippers' dressing up in some form of fancy dress and whole families taking part!

Record Breakers

This year and despite the inclement weather, a record 298 swimmers took part in the dip, representing 37 different charities both local and national. Most of the swimmers were wearing fancy dress and/or face paint and it looked like most, if not all, had a really great time much to the delight of the thousand or so warmly dressed people looking on from the beach.

Safety Cover

As always, safety cover for the event was taken very seriously by GAFIRS with two lifeboats afloat, four rescue kayaks, four beach lifeguards (Cadets) and four rescue divers all monitoring the immediate swim area. Additionally, Paramedics, first aiders and marshals were on-hand shoreside to control the flow of swimmers entering the water and to ensure that everyone was able to warm themselves up quickly after the event.

Rescue Demonstration

Unfortunately, due to unexpected operational commitments, the HM Coastguard helicopter was unable to take part in the scheduled rescue demonstration but Gosport Lifeboat and Gosport ILB (inshore lifeboat) were on hand to wave to the crowds.

Funds Raised

We don't have details of the funds raised for the other charities but so far GAFIRS has received £1753.87 from this year's swim with the possibility of further sponsorship still to come. This money will be more useful than ever with the official launch of our new front-line lifeboat set for April.

Business As Usual

The rescue service is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and New Year's Day is no exception. Indeed, this year GAFIRS attended 2 incidents shortly after the swim; one in Portsmouth harbour and the other on land during which our first aid team assisted a lady who had fallen over requiring medical treatment.

Other Events

We look forward to seeing you at next year's swim but in the mean time there will be a series of other events throughout 2012, the first being the annual "Go Orange For Independents" day which will be held on Friday 10th February.

Thank You

GAFIRS would like to extend our thanks to all those that took part in the swim and to the spectators that braved the cold and wet weather; the event could not take place without you. Please visit the Gallery section of the site to view photographs taken at this year's event.