Cold water dips set to take place around Kent

Swimmers will be getting ready to brave the cold water

Hundreds of outdoor swimmers across the county are getting ready to brave the chilly waters for a festive dip.

Christmas is traditionally a time for family, friends and feasting but recently cold-water swimming during the festive period has become a staple in many people's celebrations.

A Kent spokesperson from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is urging swimmers to "check the weather forecast and tide times, and avoid swimming alone" in order to stay safe.

The Deal Boxing Day dip has been cancelled due to a "poor" bathing water quality rating from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

26 December - Boxing Day

Whitstable RNLI is holding its first cold water event, a dip followed by a sauna. The event begins on Whitstable beach at 10:00 GMT and adult tickets cost £6.13. All proceeds will go to RNLI.

The annual Folkestone dip is set to take place again on Sunny Sands Beach. There will be a fancy dress competition beforehand and participants can expect to receive a medal as they finish their swim. The exact time of the dip is still to be confirmed.

Rochester's St Andrews Lakes is hosting a dip at 10:00. The event has been marketed as available to all inducted swimmers. Tickets are £16.60 and fancy dress for the event is optional.

An annual Boxing Day swim is also set to take place at 10:00 at The Leas, Minster. Swimmers will run across the beach for a dip before returning to dry land for warm towels and mugs of hot chocolate. The event is raising funds for the RNLI.

1 January - New Year's Day

Soup, entertainment and a dip in the sea is being offered in Ramsgate. Swimmers are being asked to meet at the Queen's Head pub at 11:00.

Each dipper will receive a medal and all money raised will go to the Ronald McDonald House Evelina London.

The annual TriSwim dip is set to take place between 8:00 and 9:30 at Chipstead Lake, Sevenoaks. Tickets are £17 and include a gift and a New Year's resolution ritual.

Rochester's St Andrews Lakes is hosting a dip at 11:00. The event has been marketed as available to all inducted swimmers. Tickets are £16.60.