Deal's Boxing Day Dip off again, despite cleaner seas

WATER QUALITY RATING UPGRADED TOO LATE FOR ORGANISERS

- By CATHERINE LANGSTON

THE beloved annual Deal Boxing Day Dip has been cancelled for the second consecutive year, despite a recent report showing a significant improvement in the town’s bathing water quality.

Authorities have advised against entering the sea for the traditional event due to ongoing pollution concerns. The decision comes despite the Environment Agency rating the water quality at Deal Beach as “Good” in its latest report, a notable upgrade from the “Poor” rating assigned in 2024.

The dip, which is jointly organised by the Deal Rotary Club and typically attracts hundreds of fancy-dress participants who raise thousands of pounds for charity, was initially cancelled last year due to immediate health concerns over the poor seawater quality.