“Will you be brave and bold and withstand the cold?”- Uswim host their annual charity swim for St Ann’s Hospice

St Ann’s Hospice is teaming up with Uswim for its long established New Year’s Day swim. 

The charity plunge will take place at Dock 9, MediaCityUK, Salford Quays2, on January 1 2024,  for the 12th year in a row. It is described as the perfect hangover cure for adult swimmers.

The uber-friendly crowd and iconic Lowry Theatre backdrop guarantees top pics and crazy fun.

Swimmers will need to bring or hire a wetsuit because water temperatures will be a chilly 6C. 

Two waves of swimmers will set off in 30 minute intervals. Registration will start at 10.15am, with the swim starting at 11am and running for an hour.

Dock 9 will be split into two different courses based on swimmers’ ability. There’ll be a 250m tow float-compulsory course and a 100m non-tow float course for the confident swimmers.

Karen Quartermain, one of the team leaders at Uswim, said: “The event’s been running for approximately 12 years now, every year it gets bigger and we raise more money.

“The concept is really about us starting the new year in the best way possible, shaking off 2023 and raising money for charity.”

Karen described the turnout in recent years and what to expect at the event.

She said: “On average we get around 150-250 swimmers every single year. It’s one of those events that everyone just likes to do.

“However, there’s more than just the swimming. We all do a fancy hat competition, loads of giveaways and there will be a foodbank.”

Karen added that St Ann’s Hospice is the chosen charity this year because Dave Quartermain, husband of Karen and founder of Uswim, has a personal connection with the charity. Dave’s mother was cared for and passed away in the hospice.

She said: “They provide lots of support for people who have long term life limiting illnesses. But the support doesn’t stop there, it continues even after they’ve lost their loved ones. All money raised will go to St Ann’s Hospice and will definitely be very well used.”

Karen provided a serious message for anyone interested in taking part. Listen here:

Visit Uswim’s website here to read more about the event.