More than 150 brave participants took to the water for Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station’s December Dip 2023, on Saturday 16 December.
The December Dip, hosted by The Beach café, on Sea Road, Littlehampton, has so far raised £3,500 to help the volunteer crew of Littlehampton RNLI save lives at sea in local waters.
Despite the cold sea temperature, there was a festive atmosphere, with many of the dippers wearing fancy dress and Christmas hats. They were kept safe in the water by the volunteer crew of Littlehampton RNLI on lifeboat Renee Sherman, safety boats crewed by Arun Yacht Club, and lifeguards from Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club.
On land, Littlehampton RNLI’s shore crew and Launch Authorities counted the dippers in and out of the sea. St John Ambulance were also on hand.
Spectators were entertained by Littlehampton RNLI’s very own Steve Howlett, who was DJ and announcer. There was also a stall selling RNLI festive gifts and a Christmas market hosted by The Beach café.
Cian Mathews, Littlehampton RNLI’s Fundraising Chair, said: ‘This is our second year holding the December Dip and, just like last year, I have been blown away by the kindness, bravery and generosity of the people of Littlehampton. It was a great event and it was wonderful to see so many happy faces. We’re already looking forward to next year!’
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
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