People are invited to celebrate the coming of 2024 by taking a fancy dress dip in the icy waters of Lyme Bay to raise money for charities.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis, the Lyme Lunge is an annual tradition that sees hundreds of swimmers parading their costumes along the beach before diving in the sea at 1pm on January 1.

The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis is a community service organisation hosting charitable fundraising events around the town.

This particular event has been around for 14 years and has raised more than £35,000 for local and national charities.

This year’s beneficiaries are the Alzheimer’s Society, Asthma + Lung UK and Rotary charities.

Peter Fortnam, public relations officer and member of the organising committee at the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis, said: “We started doing it as it was a good way to raise funds for charity.

"For the first one, there were 20 to 30 people in the water, but it has just grown and grown over the years. Last year we had an excess of 800, so it’s moving into quite a big event.

“We estimate that we got between 3 to 4,000 spectators last year. It’s a good event for all businesses and communities. The charities this year were chosen because two of our members have a personal experience of using them, the Lunge will have a great effect and help these charities immensely.”

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

The Rotary Club will provide marquees for people to change in and hot soup will be served following the Lunge, courtesy of the Harbour Inn.

Mark Oldfield, owner of the inn, said: “As a family run local business we are proud to support local events and charities. We look forward to serving hot soup for cold swimmers on New Years Day.”

There is no fee to enter. Collection buckets will be available at the site as well as stations and QR codes for people to make donations by card. The event is weather dependent. 

Mr Fortnam added: “What better way to follow New Years Even than having a nice plunge into the Lunge. We say take the plunge into the lunge! Start the New Year off in a refreshing and wonderful way by helping charity.”

Full details and sponsorship forms will be available at www.lymeregisrotary.org.