Cold winter weather failed to stop brave swimmers taking a new year dip to raise money for a good cause.

A total of 18 people took to the water at Tobacco Bay in St George’s as part of a fundraising event organised by the St George’s Rotary Club on Monday afternoon.

Andrew Roberts, Rotary Club president, said: “For the first time around, I think we had a solid amount of people who came forward.

“We also pulled a lot of plastic out of the seaweed, so we did a little cleanup while we were there.

Rotary members who took the plunge raised around $300.

The cash, with the results of other fundraising efforts, will go to support charities, schools and community projects in the East End.

Rio Walker and Emma Roberts won prizes for being the first man and woman across the finish line.

St George’s senior Jill Amos Raine won a prize for being the last one out of the water.

Ms Amos Raine said she spent around an hour in the water, although she admitted it took time to pluck up the courage to take the plunge.

She added: “The water was quite cold to start with, but once I got in I didn’t want to get out.

“It was a beautiful day. I know compared to the rest of the world, where it’s much colder, the whole thing seems a bit silly, but for Bermudians who get out of the water in September, it feels like an accomplishment.

“I came out because I wanted to support that particular community because they try very hard to improve the lives of others.”

She said she would be happy to take part in the swim again next year.

Ms Amos Raine added: “I hope they can make it more of an event and get more people to come out.”

Mr Roberts said the event took shape a year and a half ago and that the organisation’s sister club in Lyme Regis has been “enjoying” new year swims for several years.