Fozimage - Masthead - Zeller Zee boats

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip.

Carrying on a tradition started last year , the RNLI's second New Year's day dip in Looe Bay.

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

High winds, rain and poor visability greeted this years brave swimmers.

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

Looe RNLI, as organisers, had to take the difficult decision to cancel the planned swim.

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

However over 50 intrepid bathers gathered in rain and blustery winds to brave the elements in fancy dress and wetsuits.

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

They all followed the advice of the Harbourmaster Jeff Penhaligon and did not venture out more than waist height.

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

I am reliably informed that the sea was warmer than last year, but some complained they could no longer feel their arms or legs!.

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

I am glad I kept my feet dry!

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

1st January 2014 - © Ian Foster / fozimage

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

1st January 2014 - © Ian Foster / fozimage

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

Three of Looe RNLI's volunteer crew watched from the shoreline to ensure everyone was safe.

1st January 2014 - © Ian Foster / fozimage

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

Hot coffee and tea with cake was available afterwrds in the boathouse.

1st January 2014 - Looe RNLI New Year's day dip - © Ian Foster / fozimage

Well done to all - I understand that over £400 was raised for Looe RNLI.

The volunteer crew are never off duty, they were called out at 1am on New Years day to reports of a woman in the sea.

The inshore lifeboat was launched to help recover a local 30 year old who was treated on the beach by paramedics for hypothermia.

At 2am the alarm was raised again when revellers on the beach spotted a woman lying on the beach with the waves lapping around her.

You can find out more about the RNLI and Looe Lifeboats on thier websites.

RNLI logo

All images © Ian Foster / fozimage