MID WINTER SWIM BROADCAST LIVE OVER KTV
By J. Brock (FINN)
Thanks to the efforts of KTV, viewers who were unable or unwilling to make it to Surf Bay for the annual Mid Winter Swim have been able to watch the event live on television. KTV viewers were able to tune in to Channel 5 and keep warm while they watched the estimated 300 people take the icy plunge.
On the day, volunteers built a bonfire made up of wooden freight palates and garnished it with a tree branch on top. Meanwhile, three tents were erected. One of them, occupied by the Victory Bar, served up soft drinks, and alcohol. A BBQ was on offer around the second tent and the third was for registration. A great effort was made to cater to all ages and that was evident by the number of children who took part in the swim. Nonetheless, people from all age groups managed to enter the water and get totally wet.
This year there was good participation from the Military from Mount Pleasant. Many of them came in fancy dress. There were angles, knights in shining armour and a rather odd looking ski team. Also seen were “Hawaiians” and girls in pyjamas.
The plan was for the mad dash to begin at noon but not everything went to plan. An explosion, kindly donated by JSEOD, didn’t go off until after everyone was in the water. Nonetheless everyone who went in managed to get soaking wet from the top of their heads to the soles of their feet. After coming out, the bonfire’s heat was much welcome.
It is not known yet how much money was raised for the Falkland Islands Games Association (FIOGA) and the Seamen’s Mission, or indeed who won the raffle prizes. At the time of this writing, people were still enjoying the day and its superb atmosphere.
The photos show: Swimmers making a quick exit towards the bonfire, A Child enjoying the view from the palates, This boy went in prior to the swim, Angel Fancy, An odd pair of skiis, Ktv Broadcasting live, not everyone was in a \hurry to get out of the water, Collecting for charities, the splendid bonfire and Surfers.
