Bumper crowds cheer on the crazy Lyme Lungers

Lyme Lungers make a dash to the sea. . Picture SUBMITTED (Image: Archant)

An estimated 2,500 people packed the seafront at Lyme Regis to watch the 10th annual Lyme Lunge on New Year’s Day.

Some of the Lyme Lungers in fancy dress. Picture SUBMITTED (Image: Archant)

Some of the Lyme Lungers in fancy dress. Picture SUBMITTED (Image: Archant)

Upwards of 600 crazy swimmers in fancy dress laughed and squealed as they raced into the sea, ably protected by the town’s indomitable Lyme Regis Lifeboat Crew, with St John’s Ambulance standing by in case of injury.

Two Lyme Lungers with colourful heagear. Picture SUBMITTED (Image: Archant)

Some of the Lyme Lungers in fancy dress. Picture SUBMITTED (Image: Archant)

Organised by the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis, this year’s chief beneficiary of the lunge is Shelterbox, the Cornwall based disaster relief charity founded by Rotary which does so much good work around the world. Around £2,500 has been raised so far.

Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat volunteers who helped keep the Lungers safe. Picture SUBMITTED (Image: Archant)

A spokesman for Lyme Regis Rotary said: “Well done everyone involved, it was such a happy family event in brilliant sunshine. Thanks to our sponsors for their support, The Harbour Inn, for tasty hot soup for all swimmers, the town crier for immense help and for leading the parade, Lifeboat Crew for safety in the water, Lyme Regis Sailing Club, St John’s Ambulance, Axminster Rotary Club, and friends of Rotary who also helped enormously.

“It’s great fun, it supports the whole community and it helps a great cause.”