Rainbow connection to Midwinter Swim

With sunny weather and mild temperatures predicted, there are few excuses not to get down to Waikanae Beach on Sunday, June 23, for this year’s Midwinter Swim. With a “team” theme, groups are encouraged to register together and take a dip in uniform. Pictured are a team from Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club with midwinter swim organisers. From left are Clayton Hope, Thomas Hart, Lauren Pickett, Lucy Mossman, Rayleen Wright, Treva Rice, Shelley Donaldson, Cory Hutchings, Jamie Gedye, Holly Hope, Devon Hatwell and Scott Hatwell. Picture by Liam Clayton

Planet Sunshine, the children’s ward at Gisborne Hospital, will benefit from this year’s rainbow-themed Midwinter Swim.

Organised by Tracey Schwass the ice-plunge fundraiser will be held at Waikanae Beach on the Sunday closest to the winter solstice (June 23).

“The rainbow is the costume theme this year,” says Ms Schwass. “It’s nice and bright for a midwinter swim.”

Businesses and individuals have once again donated prizes that include cafe vouchers, meat vouchers, chips, drinks and ice-creams.

Ms Schwass is happy to take further donations for prizes on the day.

“Everyone who comes into the water with me gets a prize. It’s not a full-scale swim. You only need to have a splash although a couple last year swam out to the buoy because they wanted to.”

Categories for prizes are made up on the day but the most colourful or imaginative costume is a perennial contender.

Midwinter swimmers and supporters are asked to meet at Waikanae Beach on June 23 at 11am.