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Some hardy locals took to the water recently for fun, fitness and mainly to raise money for hospice.
On Sunday, August 7 members of the Hibiscus Coast Harriers and Triathlon Club hosted a quick mid-winter swim at Red Beach – no wetsuits allowed. The swim is normally held just for club members, but club president Kay Abayakoon decided to open it to the public this year in return for a donation to hospice. Brunch was at the Red Beach Surf Lifesaving Club afterwards.
Those who didn’t want to go in the water were invited to donate even more to stay dry!
Several club members went for a run first, so they were more inclined to take the ‘refreshing’ dip. On a cold, drizzly morning, around 25 people were piped in and out of the water by two members of the Hibiscus Coast and District Pipe Band.
One swimmer described the water as “breathtakingly cold”, while another said, “it’s nice and warm once you get out”.
So far, more than $700 has been raised and donations are still being taken – look for the ‘Mid-winter swim and brunch’ Givealittle page.
The Arkles Bay Winter Splash has been a popular fundraiser for hospice since 2017.
Its organiser, Greg Holland, has put it on hold this year, but he and a small group of the original winter splashers took to the chilly waters of Arkles Bay on Sunday, August 7.
He is also encouraging donations to hospice and so far that has brought in more than $450. Greg plans to hold the next Arkles Bay Winter Splash on the first Sunday in August next year.
Heading into the water are, from left, Greg Holland, Oscar and Jude Straker, Simon Brown, Louis Holland and, out front, Hunter Brown. To donate to Harbour Hospice https://harbourhospice.org.nz/donate/
