Those looking for a fresh start to 2023 can certainly blow away the cobwebs and enjoy a blast of fresh air with a New Year's Day dip.
The idea of bracing the morning chill and running straight into the North Sea might not be everybody's cup of tea but - like Boxing Day dips - it has caught on and an annual January 1 dip has become a tradition for lots of people in the North East, some choosing to don fancy dress for the occasion or raise money for charity.
Spectators often turn out to watch as crowds of hardy dippers line up on the beach ahead of a dash into the chilly sea. This year, however, there appear to be no official events arranged, although that does not mean that keen swimmers won't be making plans of their own.
Read more: Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade warn of dangers of cold water shock
Deep North coffee and doughnut shop in Tynemouth's Front Street is advertising the return of the 'Deep North Dip Club' for a second outing on New Year's Day. In a post on its Facebook page, it said the Dunk 'n' Doughnuts event will start at 11am on January, with a meeting point in St Edward's Bay in front of Riley's Fish Shack.
The shop, which sells speciality coffee and hand-made doughnuts, is also offering a post-dip freebie to those taking part. Its post said: "Dip in the sea for as long or short as you like.
"Then back to Deep North to warm up - a free coffee with every doughnut bought, for every dipper." It added: "Our first Deep North Dip Club was unreal!
"We are looking forward to seeing everyone back for this one. Open to all, everyone welcome." Among the responses to the message were comments including "would defo do this" and "we're on!" while one person tagged in a friend saying "Fancy this? You can dip and I'll have coffee and doughnut."
In previous years, a New Year's Day communal dip has taken place at the likes of Whitley Bay and Alnmouth. A spokesman for Alnmouth Parish Council this year explained that, due to difficulties over insurance requirements, it has stopped any formally organised New Year swim.
He added: "This does not prevent people swimming; it is just that they do so entirely at their own risk in their own time." Similarly, there were cancellations of two Boxing Day dips this year.
An official dip at Newbiggin did not go ahead. And nor did one at Seaham due to timing difficulties in being able to have all the necessary insurances, first aid cover, divers and stewards in place.
The RNLI Newbiggin Lifeboat Station - while remaining on standby throughout the holiday season - said: "Unfortunately the RNLI are discouraging stations from actually organising festive dips, as we can't be relied on as we don't provide safety cover for such events." Its Facebook page also offers safety advice for anyone planning a cold water dip at the coast saying it can be an exhilarating experience but is not without risk.
Those who do plan to take to the chilly water on New Year's Day are advised to remember to brush up on water safety and take along warm clothing to wrap up in afterwards. Important safety tips include taking along a friend, wearing something bright, acclimatising slowly, staying within your depth, floating on your back if in difficulty, not staying in too long and then getting warm and dry straight away once out of the water.
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