Organisers of the Broughty Ferry New Year’s Day Dook have insisted safety is paramount ahead of Sunday’s dip into the waters of the Tay.
Joyce McIntosh, a member of Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association (YEABBA), has assured participants medical staff are on hand should anybody encounter any difficulties, but added that individuals must look out for themselves as well.
She was speaking after an incident at a Boxing Day dook in Aberdeen saw a man treated by medics following an apparent epileptic fit.
It is not known if the incident was linked to the man’s participation in the event but with over 100 people expected to take to the waters of the Tay come January 1, Mrs McIntosh is keen to highlight the importance of personal safety.
”We’ve got five first aiders and if somebody needs an ambulance then they will get one,” she said. ”But people have to take responsibility for themselves.
”We hate it when we see people jumping in that is one of the biggest shocks you can give to your heart.
”This year we have a low tide and there is a shelf in the water that people could easily hit. We don’t want people jumping in but we can’t stop them.”
Organisers will take water temperature readings this week in the lead-up to Sunday’s dook.
The annual event, used to welcome in the new year, is attended by hundreds of people, many choosing to raise money for charity. This year’s event will be the 128th, with hundreds of people expected to cheer on participants from the shore.
But as many use the occasion to recover from the revelry of the night before, Mrs McIntosh has warned those taking part that there can be serious consequences if common sense is not applied.
Referring to the water temperature, she said: ”None of us are used to it. We did a relay swim to Tayport to celebrate the millennium and some lasted three minutes and some lasted ten.
”The dook is a bit of fun and a good fundraiser for charity but people must be responsible. People should not be jumping in or drinking alcohol and everybody should know what their body is capable of.”