The science behind Boxing Day and New Year dips which keep people coming back
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The Christmas period is a time of giving – whether that’s buying gifts for your nearest and dearest, or donating or volunteering for charity. But far from chucking spare change into the nearest Salvation Army donation tin or spending some time at the local food bank, some people choose to fling themselves into the freezing cold sea.
![[Daring participants are braving the icy waters of the North Sea during the Redcar Rotary Club Annual Boxing Day Dip in Redcar, United Kingdom, on December 26, 2023. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233723929-1e58.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Boxing Day and New Year’s Day dips are growing in popularity, with more and more people – often clad in Santa hats, reindeer antlers or snowman costumes – taking the plunge. From Weymouth to Ramsgate, Sunderland to Llandudno, there are dips held up and down the country, and their rise in popularity seems to coincide with an increasing interest in wild swimming, where swimmers ditch the leisure centre in favour of local rivers, lakes and the sea.
![[The science behind Boxing Day/New Year?s Day Dips - why do people enjoy running into the cold sea? Jenny Urwin]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233722862-8dc1.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
But what is it about taking dips in the cold sea that keep people coming back for more, every year? Why raise money for charity in this way when a sponsored silence or taking part in Movember could do the trick? Metro investigates. Ryan Hope organises the Christmas Harbour Swim in Weymouth, which raises money for charities through the local Lions club.
![[HUNSTANTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 25: Swimmers sit down in the sea during the Christmas Day dip on December 25, 2023 in Hunstanton, England. The traditional festive swim has a history that dates back over 60 years with swimmers wearing fancy dress and raising money for charity. (Photo by Martin Pope/Getty Images)]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233723919-b6d5.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
He described the event as an ‘unmissable celebration of festive fun, community pride, and charitable generosity’ as thousands of people gather to cheer on hundreds of swimmers each year. Jenny Urwin is co-founder of Warmcor, a company producing open water swimming gear.
![[The science behind Boxing Day/New Year?s Day Dips - why do people enjoy running into the cold sea? Katherine Cavallo]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233722867-bb53.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
