The Winter Solstice swim at Port Fairy’s East Beach was part of the Winter Weekends Festival program.

Festival co-ordinator Loren Tuck said swimmer numbers had increased from about 45 participants last year’s inaugural swim. 

”We were really happy. There was more people than last year. Hopefully it will get bigger each year,” Ms Tuck said. “It’s just a really lovely morning. East Beach was a bit rougher than usual, there were stronger currents than we expected which made for a more exciting dip.”

Swimmer ages ranged from people in their 20s to a man in his early 90s, who warmed themselves by the fire and with bacon and egg rolls cooked by Port Fairy Surf Lifesaving Club members. 

“Only a few wore wetsuits. Most people were in swimmers and boardies that was really cool. They were very brave souls.”