Do your own Santa Splash 2024

Fancy taking a cold dip on 3rd December?

Each year at Christmas time over 100 people brave the cold water and take a dip in lidos and the sea, up and down the country on the first weekend in December wearing a Santa hat. They connect with other people affected by aplastic anaemia and raise money for The Aplastic Anaemia Trust. 

Take a look at our 'Create your own Santa Splash Event Pack'

Do your own challenge...

• Commit to a month of cold showers throughout December
• Dig out that paddling pool you bought during the summer, and take an icy plunge on the 3rd December.
• Grab some friends and have a cold-water fight 
• Brave a wild swim in a lake, river or sea - check local guidance and our health and safety points 

Volunteer to run a local event...

Some Santa Splash events have 30+ participants, some have just a handful. Whatever the size of your event, your role is to help us make sure everyone taking part feels connected, looked after - and has loads of fun! You will help us to identify a lido or a good swim spot and contribute your local knowledge to help us plan and promote the event. You’ll be there on the day to welcome and register people and provide them with a hot drink and a festive snack.

For more information please see our role profile or send an email to Hannah [email protected] or give her a ring on 07849691356 for a chat.

Take a look at this pack which will help you plan your event. 

Benefits of Cold-Water 

1.It boosts your immune system
2. It gives you a natural high
3. It improves your circulation
4. It increases your libido
5. It burns calories
6. It reduces stress
7. It is a great way of socialising and making new friends

Fundraising: If you'd like to, you can ask friends to sponsor you for your dip, to raise more funds for The Aplastic Anaemia Trust. The best way to set up your fundraising page is through our website. Click here to set yours up now. 

Raise over £50 and we'll send you a sew on patch

By signing up to the 'Do your own Santa Splash' event you are agreeing that you have read and agree to the following;

• I am a confident and able swimmer
• I am fully responsible for myself and any children in my care.
• Please don't try this alone; make sure someone is with you who will be able to help you if you get into trouble.
• Take your mobile phone and make sure someone knows where you're going.
• Be safe and check local advice when choosing where to swim. You are responsible for choosing a safe location and assessing your own ability. As this isn’t an official AAT event, we cannot be liable.
• If swimming in open water, go with someone experienced, wear brightly coloured clothes that are easy to see. Bear in mind that boats and other vehicles may be using the same water as you.
• Read the safety advice from the RNLI website
• Please check your local conditions, tides and RNLI reports before your challenge to ensure your area is safe for swimming. You can use this website 

Hints and tips to make the dip safe and successful;

• The water will be cold, so if you're not used to open water swimming, don't jump in, instead go in slowly allowing your body to adjust to the temperature of the water.
• When you are in the water remember to breathe. Try breathing in for 5 and out for 5.
• Don't spend too long in the water
• After you leave the water it's best to get changed into warm clothes that are easy to put on, such as joggers or pyjamas. Bring a dressing gown. Plenty of layers.
• When you're out of the water, get your arms and upper body warm first
• Have a hot drink to warm up after
• Seek help immediately if you feel very cold, nauseous, disorientated, dizzy or faint.

Join an organised event

We have organised Santa Splashes going on in Wales, Edinburgh and Droitwich, where you can join others for a cold dip! Sign up for our organised events here.