IT MAY have been the warmest New Year’s Day on record but 2022 got off to a distinctly chilly start for Hampshire’s hardiest swimmers.

The traditional January 1 event at Stokes Bay, Gosport, was cancelled for the second year running following the latest surge in Covid cases.

But many people were determined to celebrate new year in the time-honoured way by dashing into the sea.

Scores of people braved the waters of the Solent by going for a dip off Calshot before emerging to enjoy hot drinks and tasty cakes.

The event marked a personal triumph for teacher Rachel Whitfield, who completed the last of 365 sea swims undertaken over the past 12 months.

Rachel took part in a national fundraising initiative called 365 Sea Swim Challenge, in which people raise money for charity by undertaking 365 consecutive swims in all weathers - without wearing a wet suit.

Rachel, 40, of Hedge End, was joined at Calshot by members of Hampshire Open Water Swimmers.

She said: “I really love open water swimming, it’s become a part of my life. Being in the water every day, seeing the seasons change around you, is quite magical.”

Rachel, who has raised more than £1,200 for the volunteer-run Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth, added: “I feel grateful to have had such amazing support.”

The swim normally held at Stokes Bay is organised by Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service.

Posting on social media a few days ago they said: “We have been waiting to see what the final government advice was for events over the New Year period to enable us to plan accordingly and a lot of work has been going on behind the scenes.

“Our absolute priority remains the safety of the public and our ability to continue to operate a lifesaving service. With this in mind, and the current rise in Covid infections, we feel the event cannot run as it normally does this year. Whilst we understand this will be met with disappointment, we are hoping people can still come down to the beach and enjoy a refreshing start to the year with their families and friends.

“If you do head down please remember to distance yourselves along the beach and give everyone some space.”