THOUSANDS of women braved icy waters at famous British beaches in an annual sea dip to celebrate International Women’s Day.
More than 1000 women from all over gathered at two locations this morning to celebrate female empowerment.
Brave swimmers took on the cold plunge at the same time at Sandbanks beach in Dorset, and Brighton beach to mark the occasion.
Now in its fourth year, The Big Swim is an event originally created by Nicky Chisholm, an adventure blogger based in Brighton also known as Pink Nicky.
She said: “The Big Swim isn’t about being the fastest or the fittest, it’s about showing up and walking away feeling proud you gave it a go.”
Participants are encouraged to wear “warm and sparkly” outfits to brighten up the beach.
Nicky added: “Bring your costumes, your smiles and a little bit of courage. We can’t wait to see the beach full of colour, laughter and that magical moment when everyone steps into the water together.”
After attending the Brighton event in 2024, outdoor expert Rosie Tanner decided to bring the annual event to Poole.
Following this year’s dip, Rosie told the Bournemouth Echo how proud she was of all the participants.
She added: “There’s so many women that have different stories and reasons that they’re here today.
“It’s a community space, it’s the empowerment of women. It has been perfect.
The event aims to unite women and celebrate female adventure, resilience and the power of community.
With both venues hosting swims, event organisers are expecting a record-breaking year.
The event also raises funds for Surfers Against Sewage, the UK charity that campaigns to protect the ocean.
Jo Morley, Head of Campaigns at the charity said: “This is a watershed year. We are shouting louder than ever, urging the Government to end pollution.
“People should be free to use the water without fear of getting sick, and that’s why we are demanding urgent, radical action on the broken water industry”
The event coincides with this year’s Women’s Eights Head of the River Race, also on March 14.
One of the biggest women’s rowing races in the world, the event brings more than 320 crews to race along the iconic River Thames route in London between Mortlake and Putney.
Founded in the 1930s, around 2880 women are set to compete in this year’s event.
