Diving into '26

SWIMMERS BRAVE THE CHILLY TEMPERATURES AT PRINCES DOCK TO RAISE MONEY FOR ZOE'S PLACE

- By JONATHAN BLACKBURN

PEOPLE started the New Year with a bracing swim at Liverpool's world-famous docks.

Swimmers were raising money for a very special cause when they entered the near freezing waters at Princes Dock.

Swim Liverpool hosted swims throughout the day in support of Zoe's Place, with Wyld Sauna on Princes Dock donating 100% of revenue generated on New Year's Day to the Baby Hospice.

Around 40 swimmers were expected to brave the waters.

Some were taking a brief dip, while others made the full 250-metre course around Princes Dock. Louise Hardy, 44, husband Michael Hardy, 43, and friend Ann Carr, 63, were the first swimmers to enter the water.

Louise, a housing officer from Norris Green and a keen open-water swimmer, said: "It was boss, it sets you up for the year ahead. We do it because it's great for our mental health and wellbeing."

Louise's husband Michael was brought along for his first taste of open-water swimming. He braved a quick full-body dip in the 4.3 degrees C water.