New Years Day Swim, Salford Quays - Open Water Swim Event

Closes 30th Dec

1st January '27

Dock 9, MediaCityUK

Salford Quays, M50 3AZ

**Wetsuits & Skins Welcome**

Lets make '27 a year to remember!

Our long established NYD swim (16 years and counting!) is THE perfect traditional cold water dip for aqua-lovers daring to be different. Located in Dock 9, MediaCityUK, the uber-friendly crowd and iconic Lowry Theatre backdrop guarantees top pics and crazy fun. Celebrate the start of a new year with family, friends and fellow cold water lovers! The invigorating water temp is expected to be 7c!

Entry*

Adults (16+) £30.00

Young People (7-15yrs) £10.00

Swim Courses; There'll be a 250m towfloat-compulsory course for competent swimmers who are then able to swim for as long as they safely want.

There is also a 100m non-towfloat course for dippers / swimmers who still want the buzz of a deliciously cold open water swim. Towfloats are still recommended :)

Event Timings;

For safety reasons there will be three 'waves' of swimmers entering the water at 15 minute intervals based upon surnames*.

Registration Opens; From 09:45.

Swim Start Times (based on surnames)*

Wave 1) Surnames A-F; 11:00-11:15

Wave 2) Surnames G-M; 11:20-11:35

Wave 3) Surnames N-Z; 11:40-11:55

All swimmers need to have left the water by 12:00 at the latest.

Please note that this is a NYD dip not a cold water training challenge :)

*If attending with friends / family with different surnames its 100% cool if you simply swim together. No need to email us regarding this, just turn up and let us know on the day.

Parking; At the Quayside Car Park (Lowry) next to the swim venue.

Facilities; There will be a changing tent & rinse shower as well as a covered area to store shoes/keys at the swim assembly area on the bund.

Event Swim Caps: Bespoke caps are guaranteed for first 200 entrants with entrants from 200+ receiving 'Polar Swim' caps.

Towfloats Compulsory (for safety). For 'dippers' close to Dockside they are not required.

Young People: Any 7-15yr olds should be experienced in cold water and this SHOULD NOT BE their first time swimming. We've seen too many kids tears over the years! Maybe try them at one of the Polar Swims first?

Complimentary hot drinks will be available on the day for swimmers.

Wetsuit Hire (Adults only); Available on day. No need to prebook. £10 CASH + £20 CASH deposit

Best dressed hat Competition; Get creative and flaunt your most outrageous hats. In 2025 Belinda starred with her 'Chocolate Machine' creation. Absolutely delicious :).

Be Safe; Juniors (7-15yrs) MUST have an adult (16+) in the water with them. Towfloats are highly recommended although not compulsory except on 250m course.

Public Toilets; Will be available in the Quayside Mall from 10.00am.

Further Info & Swim Briefing; Any info will be updated on this page and will also emailed out the day prior to the swim.

Foodbank Collections Welcome!

There will be a tin and dry food collection for the Salford Foodbank. Donations welcomed.

Items needed the most

Cans of beans, chicken, fish (Tuna, Salmon), meat (SPAM, Ham), vegetables, fruit, cooking oils, crackers, dried herbs and spices, granola bars, Instant mashed potato, rice, pasta x