Colwyn Bay open water swimmers don formal wear and dive into the sea!

The group, known as the Colwyn Bay Bluetits, held their first Summer Ball earlier this month.

As well as fun and games - which included beach games and Hokey Cokey on the beach before running into the sea - swimmers celebrated Christine Bolton’s 65th birthday.

Christine, known as Chrissy, looks after the WhatsApp group and helps with the organisation of events.

Chrissy said the cakes were divine and were three different flavours - each cake was different. They were created by SJ Bakes and Treats

The WhatsApp group was started prior to Covid - Chrissy was later added as an admin.

The WhatsApp membership has gone from 8/10 members to more than 110 members.

The group on Colwyn Bay beach

“Before Covid I joked about going in the water one day. Then I had a go and I was addicted,” Chrissy said.

Chrissy had a mermaid tail! Which she took off for the swim so she didn't spoil it

“We meet in Colwyn Bay, by the big letters. We meet about half an hour before high tide.

“During Covid we were able to carry on - those who bubbled up and those who continued alone. We kept two metres apart and we even had five doctors join us so we must have been doing something right.

“There was just eight of us on the WhatsApp group initally and it was created for infomation - time of the tides etc. Evan started a WhatsApp group during Covid as we weren't allowed to meet as a group and so this was started to inform local swimmers of the tides times.

"There was just a handful of us but after the first lockdown it really took off and more people joined us at the Colwyn Bay sign on the prom.

"Evan added me to the WhatsApp admin as I was being asked by passers by on the prom, and in shops, if they could join us."

Beach games were enjoyed! Organised by Paula

Chrissy, who is a fan of Bluetits herself and celebrated her 65th birthday on September 20, added: “I put the idea a summer ball to the other members as a bit of fun and they were all up for it.

"I had a birthday cake [at the event] with three tiers - the bottom Bluetit themed, the second MX-5 and top, mermaid.

Beach games were enjoyed! Organised by Paula

“We had beach games and did the Hokey Cokey and then straight into the sea. We had at least 30 people attend.

"I then got involved in a fight with rubber swords and shields!”

Asked what it is like in the water and what she gets from open water swimming, Chrissy responded: "With the ball gown night, It was just nice floating around. The men wore Dickie bows, printed t-shirts etc or just smart wear and Paula organised the games.

“It was just a lovely evening and we were lucky as it was warm as well. It was 7.50pm.

Swimmers in their ballgowns and formal wear

“Everyone was having such a laugh, I can’t explain it. One gentleman hadn’t been swimming for 40 years and he said afterwards that it had been fabulous. He said it left him tingling.

"Personally, I find it invigorating. I suffer with chronic pain and when I’m in the water, I am pain free."

Chrissy said since moving to Rhos on Sea, everyone has made her feel very welcome.

Chrissy cuts one of her cakes!

“Since I moved to Wales, it feels like home,” she said.

“I have dog walking friends, I go to a spiritual church, I have a lot of support.”

Chrissy was the birthday girl!

Chrissy added: “The ball was brilliant, everyone having such a laugh, and members celebrating my birthday. I’m very appreciative.”

[Permission granted for photos by Chrissy Bolton].