BRAY ANNUAL Charity Sea Swim will have a ' caring' theme on New Year's Day when hundreds of swimmers of all ages will brave the waters of the Irish Sea in support of Open Door, Bray Lions Club Senior Citizens Fund, The Carers Association and Bray Carers Support Group.

Since 1984 hundreds of brave swimmers have been prepared to 'take the plunge' on Bray Seafront, and in the process they have raised more than € 220,000 or a large number of local charities.

John McEvoy of Bray Lions Club, which is organizing the event, says that more than 200 swimmers have already signed up to participate and are busily raising funds through sponsorship.

'Many will be taking to the water in fancy dress, so it should be a fun-filled event', he says.

'We look forward to a huge turnout of people from Bray to cheer on the swimmers'

Local TD Liz Mc Manus and Chamber of Commerce president John Nolan are among those who have already signed up for the swim.

The first New Year's Day Sea Swim of the new decade, will take place at the Southern end of Bray Seafront at 12 noon on January 1, 2010 and the organisers would be delighted to hear from volunteers who would like to enjoy a 'New Year's Dip' and help this year's nominated local charities. Swim Cards are available by calling ( 086) 8561888.

Charities which have benefited from the swim over the years include Sunbeam House, the Bray Women's Refuge, Bray Cancer Support Group, the Bray Old Folks Association, Meals on Wheels, Guide Dogs for the Blind, St Catherine's Special School, and many more.

- Mary FOGARTY