🥳 Celebrating the New Year with a Splash: Dornoch's Loony Dook 2024
Dornoch Loony Dook - Video and photos kindly supplied by Fiona Pheby of Dornoch Dookers Cold Water Group
A Chilly Tradition with a Heartwarming Twist
As the rays of a New Year’s sun kissed the stunning landscape of Dornoch, a vibrant and daring tradition unfolded along the picturesque beach of the Dornoch Firth. The Dornoch New Year's Day Loony Dook, a much loved and exhilarating event, saw around 100 spirited individuals - men, women, children (and dogs!) - take on the challenge of plunging into the icy waters (in a swell of over a metre), clad in nothing but their swimsuits. This plunge, far more than a test of endurance, is a display of community spirit and a unique celebration of the New Year.
Braving the Elements
With air temperatures hovering around a brisk 2oC and the water a slightly warmer 6oC, participants didn't just demonstrate their boldness but also a heartening sense of camaraderie. The stunning blue skies and radiant sunshine added to the event's already high spirits.
Safety First
As always, the East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) was present to provide water safety cover. Six of ESRA's dedicated, volunteer rescue personnel, donned in drysuits, were in the water closely monitoring the proceedings. Key to the event's safety measures, the Talus and Wildland rescue boat were on standby, ensuring immediate response capabilities in the event they were required. This show of readiness, whilst thankfully not needed, demonstrated ESRA’s ongoing commitment to the safety and wellbeing of everyone on the water.
Community and Charity
In the true spirit of community, ESRA also catered to the participants' post-dip needs by providing warm refreshments. The aroma of bacon rolls, coupled with the comforting warmth of tea and coffee, offered the perfect antidote to the cold dip. This gesture not only helped everyone warm up but also served a charitable purpose. Impressively, the event succeeded in raising £1,188 through these charitable donations, a testament to the generosity and community spirit of the people of Dornoch.
A Day to Remember
The Dornoch New Year's Day Loony Dook of 2024 was more than just a plunge into cold waters; it was a celebration of community, a testament to human resilience and the joy of coming together for a cause. As participants and spectators alike left the shores, there was a shared sense of achievement and a collective warmth that transcended the physical cold. The Dornoch Loony Dook stood as a reminder that sometimes, the best way to start the new year is by jumping right in, no matter how cold the waters may be.
