Littlehampton RNLI’s Big December Dip Fundraiser Set To Return

Saturday, 26 October 2024 06:00

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station’s hugely popular Big December Dip is back for a third consecutive year to raise vital funds for the lifesaving work of its volunteer crew.

The event will take place on Sunday 8 December, at The Beach Café, on Sea Road, Littlehampton, from 12.00pm. Participants will be encouraged to raise money for their local lifeboat station by braving a quick sea dip.

Last year, more than 150 brave participants took up the challenge, cheered on by their friends and family.

To take part in this year’s event, participants can enter online. Entry costs £6 for adults and £4 for children aged 12–17 years old. Children over 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Fancy dress is not necessary but is encouraged!

All dippers will receive a hot drink, courtesy of The Beach Café. Spectators will be entertained by a DJ, and there will also be a stall selling RNLI Christmas gifts.

Cian Mathews, Littlehampton RNLI Fundraising Chair, said:

"Our Big December Dip is now firmly established as an annual local event that is anticipated by everyone in the Littlehampton area.

"Last year’s event was so much fun, with a real feeling of Christmas spirit and camaraderie. I would urge everyone to sign up, if they can, to support our local lifeboat station.

"Our volunteer crew work tirelessly all year round to save lives at sea and very much deserve our help and support."

The Big December Dip is organised following strict safety measures, and all participants will be looked after by the volunteer crew of Littlehampton RNLI, trained lifeguards and St John Ambulance – on land and sea.

If you are planning a dip or swim in open water, always remember to:

Make sure you’re prepared. Check the weather and tides, choose your spot, go with a buddy, have the right equipment.
If in doubt, don’t go out. No matter how much preparation you do, or how experienced you are, if a swim doesn’t feel right, there is no shame in getting out of the water straight away, or not entering.
Make sure you acclimatise to avoid cold water shock.
Be seen. Wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float.
Stay within your depths.
Float to live.
In an emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.