Irvine: Hundreds brave the Polar Plunge at beach park

The cold water “Polar Plunge” was back this year after its cancellation in 2021 due to coronavirus restrictions.

According to reports, almost £10,000 was collectively raised for individual charities like Beatson Cancer and British Heart Foundation as well as other good causes.

Irvine's Polar Plunge 2022

A registered 150 water-goers took part on the day, though there were reportedly many more.

Iain Boyd, co-ordinator at Coastwatch Irvine told the Times: “It was challenging, what we had to do.

“It was quite a sunny day but it was very windy and it had a high tide, which is more than what we anticipated.

Irvine's Polar Plunge 2022

“We had a wee bit less of the beach to work with so it just became more challenging.

“Usually we map off the beach and say here’s the starting position, all get in a line and charge, but that wasn’t as easy.

“We had to wait a wee while but we got it done eventually. Overall it was a big success, there was the brass band there and the fundraisers were great.

Irvine's Polar Plunge 2022

“Altogether we think there was £10,000 raised for charity, that’s a mix of charities and good causes, it was all great. We were all socially distanced in the water and it was family fun, everybody was happy. ”

To view a video of the day, edited by Ayrshire Film Co, visit https://youtu.be/Kftb0MurqGg or search Irvine Beach Park Polar Plunge 2022 into YouTube.

Irvine's Polar Plunge 2022

More pictures in this weeks Irvine Times – available in shops until Tuesday [January 18].