Many hardy souls entered the sea on Christmas Day across County Waterford as numerous swims took place for various causes.
One of the most established is the Michael Power Memorial Swim which takes place in Kilmurrin on the beautiful Copper Coast.
The origins and development of the Michael Power Memorial Swim are particularly poignant.
In 1982, local man Michael Power and a small number of friends decided to go swimming on Christmas Day.
The following year, the swimming enthusiasts swam more frequently from summertime, throughout autumn and up to Christmas Day.
More people joined their endeavours and so the first official Christmas Day Swim at Kilmurrin took place in 1983.
The 13 swimmers who took part on the day were Michael Power, Lennie Bell, Tom Whelan, Mary Mooney, John Walsh, Ger Mooney, Darren Power, Buddy Mooney, Tom Power, Adrian Kirwan, Johnny Murray, Brendan Power and Tony Murphy.
Two weeks before Christmas Day, members of the group began fundraising for Waterford Asthma Society and set about making sponsorship cards.
The first swim, which consisted of just 13 swimmers, raised the impressive sum of £600.
In 1984, the event was geared up to be bigger and better and much effort had gone into its organisation.
However, tragedy struck on December 17th when Michael Power died suddenly aged 40.
His family and friends have continued the tradition and have held a swim in his memory every Christmas Day since.
Chairman Tom Power speaking to WLR.
WLR spoke to some of those in attendance at this year's swim. You can listen by clicking on the main image above.
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