Saundersfoot Sailing Club had the honour of hosting the 2024 Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim presentation - recognising those that make it the largest Festive 'dash and splash' event in the UK.

NYDS Chairman, Chris Williams welcomed and thanked everyone for attending, along with the hardworking 'volunteer' committee members, as without their commitment and dedication it wouldn’t be possible to hold such a large scale event.

Also thanked, were the army of volunteers who assist year on year; the marshals that are operating; the water safety team who brave the elements; the emergency services, in particular Tenby Fire Station who have given up their time for over 20 years; the bucket collectors who help raise as much money as possible; the 2,500 swimmers who entered the water (and raised personal sponsorship); and finally, the spectators, who help to make it such an enjoyable spectacle.

Much praise was also given to the many organisations and businesses who assist: The RNLI, Tenby Surf Link, Pembrokeshire Paddlers, St Johns Ambulance, Saundersfoot Sailing Club, Police, The Odley Family (who keep the volunteer army and spectators refreshed), Pembrokeshire County Council and our event partners Saundersfoot Harbour, Hean Castle Estate, Saundersfoot Beach and Saundersfoot Community Council.

There were a few individuals who assisted and were given special mention - Benny Bond, Richard Merriman, Andrew Evans (St. Brides Hotel), Dan Roach and Sally and her team at Salt on the Strand who did an incredible job with the swim shirts, bobble hats, towels, sponsor forms and registration.

Chris said that the organisers were overwhelmed with the response, with just over 2,500 registered to enter online, raising in excess of £11,000!

Sponsors always play an integral part in the NYDS’ success and without their support, there would be no event. Thanked for their continued support and generosity were: Ocean Beach Grill Ltd; Neil Finlay Cars; S'foot Sports & Social Club; S'foot Beach Company; Fisher Family Builders; The Stone Crab; Tazzrock; Big Brums; Pro Waste; CBS; Janz Broadfield Farm; Pembrokeshire Laundry; Sterling Construction; Capitan Property Services; The Silver Lily; Trueform Ltd; M&M Windows; Lewis & Lewis Solicitors; Sunnyvale Caravan Site; Folly Farm; Broughton Caravans Ltd; Scaffold 2000; Fussell Builders; The Royal Oak; Elston Construction; The Snug; Saundersfoot Harbour; Hean Castle Estate; Saundersfoot Community Council; Travel Chapter; Mike Wealleans; Sue's Pantry; Rhodri Lewis; Welsh Coast Maintenance; Castle Homes; Caldey Construction.

Chris called upon, Nicola Hurst - manager for the Powells/Travel Chapter brand (who have been a main sponsor for NYDS for over 20 years) and Nicola Cleevely (newly appointed Chair of Saundersfoot Community Council) who kindly supported the Event Safety, to present the cheques.

During the presentation 45 charities and organisations received donations with a further 10 charities receiving swimmer sponsorship directly.

Chris added: "The NYDS Swim is an inclusive community based event run by dedicated volunteers and we will continue to support sporting clubs, local organisations, charities, people young and old and those who may benefit from financial support.

“Work is already progressing well for next year, with an emphasis on bigger and better.”