Saundersfoot Beach was the place to be to welcome in 2025 in style - with the annual New Year’s Day Swim once again proving to be a record-breaker!

An incredible 2,535 registered swimmers braved the icy waters and thousands of spectators turned out for the 39th annual Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim - the largest festive dip in the UK.

Saundersfoot Festivities Chairman Chris Williams said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the safety team working with the committee over the last few days. The weather forecast has been challenging and safety to participants and spectators was paramount in all aspects of our discussions.

“The weather conditions certainly improved for the event to take place safely.”

The charitable event just gets bigger and better, year on year and as the gathered masses of over ten thousand prepared for the big event, they were entertained by Sam Hughes and Jo along with the dancers from Escape Youth Musical Theatre who provided the warm-up, whilst the crowd provided a powerful rendition of Status Quo's ‘Rockin All Over the World’.

The swim countdown was initiated by ‘Star Of The Swim’ the Merthyr Mermaid - Cath Pendleton.

Cath has been an inspiration to many and recently swam a mile in the Artic. Cath was raising funds for Velindre Cancer Hospital.

At 12.30pm the swimmers were sent down the sands by a firework launch, courtesy of Westcoast Fireworks.

The swimmers did not disappoint on the fancy dress front and Janine Lewis had a difficult job adjudicating the group and the best individual outfit categories, as there was so many amazing costumes.

Thanks go to Harbwr Bar & Kitchen for donating vouchers for the fancy dress prizes. Winner of the team award was presented to the girls dressed up as ‘Alcatraz and The Golden Gate Bridge’; whilst the best individual award went to Laura Owens from Australia dressed as a bubble bee, which she had made herself.

All swimmers were captured on camera by local photographer Gareth Davies, who has attended every one of The New Year’s Day Swims.

There was also an announcement made regarding two avid supporters of the swim, George Cavell who collected money for the Saundersfoot Cancer Charity and Dewi from St clears who had done over 30 swims over the years.

Saundersfoot Festivities Chairman Chris continued: “The village and wider community has done us proud again. We could not have conceived 39 years ago that we would be hosting such a major event.

“Our driving force, as always, is the huge number of fantastic causes that benefit. 39 years on and this event is getting bigger and better with thousands of pounds raised for charity.

“The people from Saundersfoot, the surrounding areas and even further afield have come out in force to support this marvellous event despite the awful weather.

“The community of Saundersfoot is incredibly supportive and passionate about their Village Swim. The numbers in the village over the last four days has been staggering and has certainly boosted local businesses.

“The Swim is constantly evolving and this is the second year where we have had to implement an online registration and ticketing system to help with the many hidden costs and swimmer safety. This couldn’t have gone any better again and we thank you all for supporting the biggest festive swim in the UK.

“A big thank you to Vicky, Bryony and Charlotte who have been involved with our social posts and registration. This is an important step in our efforts to ensure that the swim team listen to the community.

“Thanks also to the Walking Saundersfoot Football team and members of Saundersfoot Community Council who presented the medals after the swim to all the participants who registered/donated to enter the New Years Day Swim.

“Thank you to Wheelers for their design and support of the new medal.

“As costs have increased year on year, it was getting to the point where hosting such a large scale event for free was unsustainable. With the additional income stream from the online ticketing we are now protecting the future of the swim and also generating extra money for the many charities and worthwhile causes.

“This Swim wouldn’t be possible without a dedicated committee who have worked tirelessly over the last twelve months to ensure the event runs smoothly. I will also take this opportunity to thank all the safety marshals, bucket collectors and the volunteers who assist on the day as their support and time is invaluable,” remarked Chris.

“I would also like to thank all the sponsors and businesses for their continued support, which has far exceeded expectations. Without their help it wouldn’t be possible to hold this event and I thank you all personally.”

Thanks also goes to our event partners - Tenby Surf & Rescue, Pembroke Paddlers, Saundersfoot Sailing Club, HM Coast Guard and the RNLI (who provide the water safety cover). St John’s Ambulance, Tenby Fire Brigade and the Police who assist with emergency cover and Pembrokeshire County Council.

Special thanks also go to Richard Merriman; Salt On The Strand (who've helped with, sponsor forms, Swim shirts, Bobble hats and Swim registration); Dan Roach & Partners; Hean Castle Estate; Saundersfoot Harbour Commission and Team, Andrew Evans, Anthony Phillips and Dan Edison, Benny Bond and Rhodri Lewis, Sion Brace - Caldey Construction.

“This year we also supported an event at the Regency Hall, we listened to comments last year due to the bad weather and worked with our sponsors Coors and Saundersfoot Sports Club to provide a venue for families and local residents in the village,” added Chris.

“Performing on stage at the Regency were Cor Y Mor - ladies choir, Sleeping Dogs and Buffalo Smoke. Hot food was provided by Copper Hog team and thanks to Saundersfoot Rotary and RLNI who assisted as volunteers at the Regency. This was a free event for the community.

“Also thanks to all the residents and businesses on the Strand for supporting the road closure on the day. Without your support, it wouldn’t be possible to run the New Years Day Swim.

“It’s important due to the ten thousand expected, that the road is closed at the entrance of the Strand. New government rules from 2017 were put in place for vehicle mitigation so that events can be held safely. Without this, there would be no swim.

“Lastly I would like to thank all those who have registered this year and to let you know that you can hand in your sponsor forms to Salt On The Strand when you’ve collected your sponsorship.

“In previous years we’ve held a presentation evening as soon as the money is collected in.

“After the Swim we will be in touch with you all individually to upload your photos and the amount raised to our site to promote the charities you’ve collected for. We will still have a presentation and details will follow by the end of January.”

For further information on the Swim, please visit: www.saundersfootfestivities.co.uk/nyds