IRVINE’S Polar Plunge is all set to return this January after lockdown cancelled last year’s event.

The cold water submersion, hosted by volunteer safety organisation Coastwatch Irvine, will see brave residents and visitors take to the waters of Irvine Beach on New Year’s Day to raise money for charity.

Iain Boyd, co-ordinator at Coastwatch Irvine, told the Times: “It’s been held two or three times before. Last time was two years ago because of lockdown, but I’m looking forward to this year’s event and there’s a lot of work to do to get organised.

“We’ve been planning for a couple months now and now we’ve opened the registration. We’re setting up the process and advertising, we want local business to buy in and businesses tend to support it very well, they have done so in the past and it looks like they’re stepping up again this year.”

Cold water swimming has become popular in recent years, with research showing that immersion in cold water for two minutes can combat illness, improve blood flow and fight against mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. However, Irvine’s Polar Plunge is a way for people to benefit others as well.

“Some people do it just for the fun and the madness of it.” Iain continued.

“We do consider it a charity event and we’re asking people to let us know what they’ve raised as we’d love to get a total funds raised this year.

“We do risk assessments and we make people aware of the risk of cold water and we have the relevant support services available such as the coastguard.

“We advise people to take care and give them some advice on going in water.”

The New Year’s Day event will take place at Irvine Beach at 12pm. Pre-registration is required.

For more information and to register visit www.coastwatchirvine.co.uk