Hardy lot savour chilly dip, crackers

BRRR! Aaron Slight and his daughter Miela, after taking part in a mid-winter swim at Riversdale Beach. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The Riversdale Surf Club dared people to strip off and get wet in a mid-winter ocean swim as fire crackers went off on Sunday.

Club captain Mike Taylor said good numbers turned up, the weather played ball and it turned out a fantastic day.

"We had around 40 in the water, with around 30 watching on," Mr Taylor said.

"It was great to see a lot of the local community down at the beach joining in."

He said the good turnout was partly thanks to Rex Slight from Mitre 10, who brought with him a busload of his workers.

Mr Slight had organised for fireworks to be let off on the beach as the swimmers' starting cue.

"As he let those off, everyone dived into the water."

Mr Taylor put up flags for people to safely swim between and a collection bucket was passed around to raise money for the surf club's rebuild.

He told beachgoers "a swim" only counted if they got their hair wet, with some girls getting around this by dunking only their long hair into the sea.

"It was brisk but it wasn't quite brain-freeze," said Mr Taylor, who had to stay in the water until the last swimmers were done.

"Thanks to the community for the support and see you back here next year."