Prior to the swim itself, the swimmers and crowd were entertained by the crowning of this year’s winner of the Swim Factor. The Swim Factor competition was new to the 2011 swim where 8 reluctant swim virgins had been gently persuaded to put themselves up for a public vote. The person receiving most votes would go into the water on New Year’s Day. The winner was local character David ‘Lalu’ Lewis. On making his debut Lalu commented, ‘I was hoping that the votes would have gone to a ‘Saundersfooter’ and not a resident of Tenby, but it has been fantastic to be a part of this huge event that raises a tremendous amount for charity and makes Saundersfoot the place to be on New Year’s Day.’

The event was started by local celebrity and zoo-owner Anna Ryder-Richardson. Ms Ryder-Richardson also lead the swimmers into the icy waters to the roar of the cheering crowd. While some dippers were brave enough to wear only traditional bathing attire, others donned colourful and wacky fancy dress costumes. Winner of the individual fancy dress was Stephen Hart (Basher) as Bash the New Year, while group winners were Stepaside Coachworks with their Popemobile. So often the bridesmaids it was fitting that after a long list of excellent costumes they at last pleased the chief judge, Stephen Swales. Stephen wanted also to give a special mention to the Space Cowboys from Malin House, the Lewis girls as the Snow Queens, the Heywood, Harris and Edwards family as Lego Men, the Whitlow Nomads as Pirates of the Carribean, Wogan Guest House’s 30 strong Thomas the Tank, Saundersfoot School’s Super Heroes and Mick Booth as Captain Scott. John Joseph’s disguise as a Chilean miner was not considered by the judge as he did not surface in time for the judging!

Saundersfoot Festivities Chairman Martyn Williams said, "Again we have exceeded expectations and have broken all records. Twenty seven years on and this event is getting bigger and better with thousands of pounds being raised for charity. The people from Saundersfoot, the surrounding areas and even far further a field have come out in force to support this marvellous event".

2011

A record 1307 swimmers and thousands of spectators welcomed in the New Year by attending the annual Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim in Pembrokeshire.

This year the swim celebrated its 27th year and was better than ever as hundreds of swimmers embraced the event by dressing in fancy dress.  To see the video of the 2011 swim, click here.