THE popular Abersoch New Year Dip – which draws hundreds of hardy swimmers every year – has been cancelled because of health and safety rules.

The Abersoch RNLI announced this morning that the 2022 New Year dip will no long be going ahead ‘due to new health and safety protocols put in place by RNLI Headquarters and their insurers.’

In a statement, the lifeboat station crew said: “The demands of these new requirements are such that we have no alternative to cancelling the Dip.

“Our volunteer Crew and Fundraisers here at Abersoch RNLI are very disappointed at having to make this decision, as for 14 years the Dip has been a major fundraising event, enjoyed by many participants and spectators. We are very thankful for the generous support over the years.

“Happy Christmas and Happy New Year from everyone here at Abersoch RNLI, we look forward to announcing some great new fundraising events for 2022 in the new year.

“If you wish to donate to towards the running costs of our station, so we can continue saving lives at sea please follow the link below to our Just Giving page.”