Swimmers in New Year dip at Royal Gourock Yacht Club

Dozens of brave locals started 2024 off with a splash by wading into the water off the clubhouse.

Some of the dippers donned hats and gloves to stave off the cold, while other hardy souls went into the freezing cold Clyde in nothing but a swimming costume.  

Despite the chilly temperatures there were smiles on the faces of all who took part, with locals of all ages enjoying the dip.

The event also raised vital funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Yacht club commodore Mike Storry told the Tele: “At the club we’ve got our open water swimmers who are out every week doing this stuff in some pretty chilly conditions, but New Year’s Day brings different people along.

“I don’t know if it’s maybe a bit of a tonic, both mentally and physically, after the festivities but they go out and take a dunk every year and it’s all credit to them.

“You get warm soup and a bacon sandwich afterwards, which no doubt helps.

“Some say it’s madness but for others it’s fun, it’s a great way to start off the New Year.

“It’s stood the test of time as well, every year we have this event, sometimes there are more people, sometimes less, but it’s always a goodly number.

“There are always plenty of spectators watching those taking part easing their way down the slip into the water too.

"It's a great way to start the year off and anyone interested in taking part in open water swimming more regularly only needs to get in touch with the club.

“We always work closely with the RNLI as watersports people, but the New Year’s Day swim is an RNLI fundraiser and it always brings in a good amount, as I’m sure it has this year.”