The fun, festive sea swimming challenge raising money for Les Bourgs Hospice.
The 12 Bays of Christmas event was inspired by an idea dreamt up by the Marley and Sealey families and we can't wait to run it again in 2025. It encourages islanders who have continued swimming since September or are seasoned year-rounders to take a dip in 12 bays listed on a map between 1st -31st December. Each bay on the list has a festively-themed name so we hope that there are plenty of options for more sheltered swims depending on the weather.
We have a huge amount of respect for the sea so have been very grateful for the support and guidance of Alan Jenner from Guernsey Sports Commission's Outdoor and Adventure Sports Development Officer in reviewing this event.
The list:
1) Vaz-on the first day of Christmas
2) Rocquaine around the Christmas Tree
3) Bathing Yules
4) Baby it's Cobo outside
5) Porte-let it snow
6) Away in Fermain-ger
7) Saint Nick's Bay
8) Chestnuts Rousse-ing on an open fire
- water safety warning - we recommend that you do not swim beyond the end of the pier
9) Pembroke-come all ye faithful
10) Cheese & Port Soif
11) Grandes Rocques-in Robin
12) Bordeaux-ho-ho
- water safety warning – please do not swim outside of the Harbour Entrance and beware of boat traffic
Please note that due to the colder water and air temperatures you must be medically fit to participate. We recognise that each person has a different tolerance to the cold therefore we have intentionally not set a number of strokes, distance or time to be in the water for. If you want to just dip and get out that is fine by us, as is the wearing of wetsuits (encouraged for U18s) and if you start the challenge there is no obligation to complete it - the emphasis is completely on you being aware of what you can achieve and not going beyond those limitations.
Please take all precautions to keep yourself and others safe around water. For guidance please see www.adventuresmarkt.uk/open-water-swimming. which offers specific safety advice for open water swimming. To be Adventure Smart then ensure you follow their code:
- Am I confident I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?
- Do I know what the WEATHER and TIDES will be like?
- Do I have the right GEAR, which includes a form of emergency communication i.e. a whistle or phone?
There are plenty of online resources that will aid you in making your decisions. These include Seeker.gg and Weatherfox for weather forecasting and gov.gg for tides. Please avoid swimming on Spring High Tides, and please ensure that at least one member of your group has a tow float.
Don't forget, not every day is a swim day so if the conditions are not right, then please wait for a better opportunity. If in doubt stay out.
If you decide that this event is still for you please keep reading then get signed up! When you register you will have the opportunity to purchase one of our bobble hats which will not only keep you warm during the event but will also help you spot other swimmers who are taking part in the challenge so give them a wave or say hello! We do, however, encourage you to donate old hats that you may not be using to our charity shop or collections for Humanitarian Aid.
If you already have a hat from previous years we encourage you to make a donation towards home-cooked meals at the Hospice in lieu of buying another one (or maybe even as an additional donation?). Nourishing food that can be adapted to individual tastes or dietary needs or maybe because that is just what someone fancies is an important part of the care that we provide. Their kitchen is more than just a place where meals are made—it's a vital part of the compassionate care that they provide, helping patients and their families feel comforted and cared for during a challenging time.
Your registration pack will include a beautifully illustrated map by the talented Caroline Veron Design and also an information sheet to help you swim safely and warm up properly afterwards.
You will be able to opt to:
- Have your registration pack posted out (at an additional cost to cover postage if you have purchased a hat).
- Collect it from our charity shop in St. Martins (Monday to Saturday 9am-4.30pm). PLEASE NOTE that this option will only be available from Monday 17th November. This gives our team of staff and volunteers to clear the peak time of our Christmas shop first. We know you will be excited to collect your pack but thank you for your patience.
- Collect from La Vallette Bathing Pools on Friday 28th November 7.30-9am or 12-2pm or same place on Saturday 29th November 8am-2pm.
If you would like to read more about cold water swimming you can access our information sheet in the downloads section or please visit websites such as outdoorswimmingsociety.com or Wild Swimming UK
We are grateful to our sponsor Advisory Services Guernsey, which means that the maximum amount of money raised from this event can go directly to Les Bourgs Hospice in helping us to deliver free, specialist palliative care and support to our patients and their loved ones. We know that some of their team are passionate sea swimmers so we are excited to be working with them.
Thank you for your support and enjoy your festive dips!.