Sub Aqua Club's 'Dip With A Nip' returns on St Stephen’s Day

For 30 years, people from Athlone and its surrounding areas have been braving the elements for a cold-water plunge on St Stephen's Day.

This year's event, held as usual at Hodson Bay Hotel, where the staff are always on-hand to supply much needed hot drinks afterwards, will begin at 1pm with participants asked by organisers Athlone Sub Aqua Club to attend for registration at 12.30pm.

Now known as the annual 'Dip With A Nip', this Athlone Sub Aqua Club tradition dates back 30 years. Then, it was held as a club event, offering members a bit of fun – and freeze – after Christmas Day.

However, the event was opened up to members of the public in 2018 after many people expressed interest in getting involved, and the cause is an extremely good one with all voluntary donations received on the day going towards the club's search and recovery unit.

The event, which usually draws a healthy crowd, is open to people of all ages with under-18s to be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Club PRO Grainne White told the Westmeath Independent the event is always a fun way to spend a bit of time on St Stephen's Day.

“It's always great fun and the people involved are always in good spirits and very friendly and welcoming. Anyone looking to participate can just show up on the day and we will look after them in terms of safety and guidance. Just please bring a towel and some warm clothes for afterwards,” she said.

Participants can stay in the water for as little or long as they like, but most just take a short dip and swim and then get out to delicious tea and coffee provided generously each year by Hodson Bay Hotel, Grainne said.

On behalf of the Sub Aqua Club, Grainne wanted to thank the hotel for its hospitality over the years. The club also thanked the people of Athlone and Westmeath for their support in the future, wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and hoping to see many in attendance on St Stephen's Day.