Organisers have hailed the success of a festive tradition as hundreds of people braved the conditions and took the plunge on Christmas Day.

Lowestoft Journal: Lowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick HowesLowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Swimmers - many dressed up in festive costumes such as Santas, Christmas elves and superheroes - jumped into the cold North Sea on Monday for the 44th festive plunge.

Lowestoft Journal: Lowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick HowesLowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The Everyone Active 2023 Lowestoft Christmas Day Swim, sponsored by JME, raised money for local charities and deserving causes.

Lowestoft Journal: Lowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick HowesLowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

With the festive tradition spearheaded by Everyone Active and supported by HM Coastguards, Lowestoft Volunteer Lifeguard Corps, Lowestoft Lions, St John Ambulance, the RNLI and East Point Pavilion, this year money raised will be shared equally between YMCA Trinity, HOPE after Suicide Loss, Lowestoft and Waveney Breastfeeding Support, 1st Gunton Brownies and TrueColours of Lowestoft.

Lowestoft Journal: Lowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick HowesLowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

In addition, the core charities are Lowestoft Lions, Lowestoft Lifeguard Volunteer Corp, the St John Ambulance local branch and the Brian Gallagher Football Fund.

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Lowestoft Journal: Lowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick HowesLowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

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After large crowds had gathered in Lowestoft to watch the warm-up on the promenade, it was all systems go as the participants ran towards the Claremont Pier, onto the beach and into the sea before entering the North Sea.

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Lowestoft Journal: Matt Stebbings, event volunteer, at Lowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick HowesMatt Stebbings, event volunteer, at Lowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Speaking afterwards, Matt Stebbings, event volunteer, said: "Well done everyone, thanks for everyone’s help to make the Lowestoft Christmas Day Swim happen.

Lowestoft Journal: Lowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick HowesLowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"We can’t deliver it without the support of our volunteers, charities my fellow organisers.

Lowestoft Journal: Lowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick HowesLowestoft's 44th Christmas Day Swim. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"Remember you can still bring sponsorship monies into Waterlane before January."