Hardy souls take on Riverton dip

• Published date: 23 June 2022
• Publication title: Southland Express

The absence of wind and rain meant the conditions were more kind to the swimmers after the storms and polar blasts Southland experienced in the past couple of weeks

The MetService recommended a 5/4mm wetsuit be worn as protection from the 12degC water which was warmer than the 8degC onshore.

About 40 enthusiastic winter swimmers charged into the sea as part of the region’s annual midwinter swim dressed as washed-up seaweed, unicorns, Where’s Wally and Buzzy Bees.

Swim co-ordinator Tanya Colyer said the annual event was among the first of the region’s Matariki celebrations.

Dressing up had been optional ‘‘but highly encouraged’’.

She said it was always fun to see the swimmers not take the event too seriously as they frequently came dressed as characters.

Last year Fred and Wilma Flintstone made an appearance, while Southland District Mayor Gary Tong turned up in a gorilla suit, she said.

‘‘When people dress up, that makes it fun.’’

Many of the swimmers were regular supporters of the event.

Each year, the swim organisers attempted...