An annual harbour swim race in Weymouth UK has turned into a key national event.

This year over 356 people arrived to register!

The two hundred-metre swim across the widest part of the harbour goes back to just after World War II when the first swim took place organized by two local publicans who challenged each other .

As well as serious swimmers many take part dressed in fancy dress. This year saw a giant lobster, a shark plus super hero’s and dozens of Santa’s and even trees splashed their way to the finishing ramp.

For health and safety and Covid-19 reasons the harbour swimmers were organized into groups of 30 swimmers.

The harbour swim raises money for various local charities as individual entrants swim for sponsorship money braving the often very cold water however this year it was a balmy 10 degrees C!

The youngest swimmer was eight years old!

Weymouth and Portland Lions Club whose members are on the harbourside early on Christmas morning preparing both sides ready for the event that starts at 11am.

Even local boat owners are on hand to ferry the swimmer’s bagged up clothes from one side of the harbour to the other.

Also a group of canoe lifeguards escort the swimmers during the race just in case anyone should get into trouble during the swim.

This harbour swim race attracts thousands of spectators too.

They lined the harbour walls to watch the 12 races.

Over recent years swimmers have come from Abu Dhabi, Singapore, France and Holland. With the UK based entrants coming from Liverpool, Lancashire and even a group from Edinburgh in order to take part.

An annual harbour swim race in Weymouth UK has turned into a key national event.

This year over 356 people arrived to register!

The two hundred-metre swim across the widest part of the harbour goes back to just after World War II when the first swim took place organized by two local publicans who challenged each other .

As well as serious swimmers many take part dressed in fancy dress. This year saw a giant lobster, a shark plus super hero’s and dozens of Santa’s and even trees splashed their way to the finishing ramp.

For health and safety and Covid-19 reasons the harbour swimmers were organized into groups of 30 swimmers.

The harbour swim raises money for various local charities as individual entrants swim for sponsorship money braving the often very cold water however this year it was a balmy 10 degrees C!

The youngest swimmer was eight years old!

Weymouth and Portland Lions Club whose members are on the harbourside early on Christmas morning preparing both sides ready for the event that starts at 11am.

Even local boat owners are on hand to ferry the swimmer’s bagged up clothes from one side of the harbour to the other.

Also a group of canoe lifeguards escort the swimmers during the race just in case anyone should get into trouble during the swim.

This harbour swim race attracts thousands of spectators too.

They lined the harbour walls to watch the 12 races.

Over recent years swimmers have come from Abu Dhabi, Singapore, France and Holland. With the UK based entrants coming from Liverpool, Lancashire and even a group from Edinburgh in order to take part.