12 Dips in December
Complete 12 Dips in December and raise vital funds to help save lives from heart disease and stroke. You've got this!
Register now for your challenge hat.
How the Challenge Works?
Register
Register now for your challenge hat and set up your fundraising page
Log
Log your 12 Dips on your fundraising page after every Dip.
A dip can be a swim, a cold shower, an ice bath or the garden hose. It’s up to you!
Share
Share your fundraising page after every dip – your friends and family will follow your journey and support you to protect hearts in Ireland.
You Choose How to Dip
The 12 Dips in December sees hundreds of people all over Ireland dipping to protect hearts.
You choose how you want to Dip.
You can dip in open water, in a pool or ice bath all to raise funds in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation.
Register now to receive your FREE Irish Heart Foundation beanie and when you complete 12 Dips and fundraise you will earn your challenge medal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is registration free?
Yes, registration is completely free
What is in the registration package?
The registration package has your Irish Heart Foundation hat for you to wear during the challenge.
The pack also includes a planner for your 12 Dips but for your Dips to count you need to log them on your fundraiser.
How much do I have to raise?
Your fundraising page is automatically set-up with a target amount of €150, but you can customize your fundraiser to any amount.
What counts as a Dip?
The choice is yours.
We know it’s not always easy to make it to open water so you can mix in cold showers, ice baths, and ice buckets.
You don't have to stick to one type of Dip.
You decide when you want to Dip as well, you can do the 1st of December to the 12th or a throughout the whole month.
The main thing is that you Dip 12 times in December and track it on your fundraiser.
Can I do more than 12 Dips?
Of course! If you want to set your own swimming goals – Go for it!
How do I track my Dips?
You need to log your Dips on your fundraising page. This is how we will be tracking people’s progress. For all your swims to count you need to post them to your fundraising page.
Tips for Winter Dipping
Keep as warm as you can before getting in
Arrive warm, get ready to swim quickly, and do not stand around on shore in your swimming things. Dip in!
Stay hydrated
Even in cold water, your body can become dehydrated. Drink water before and after your swim to stay properly hydrated.
Get in slowly to avoid cold water shock
By getting into the water slowly, and splashing your torso and face before you immerse, you can control your breathing and help prevent more serious reactions.
Bring extra layers for after and a hot drink, or soup
To help restore your warmth, bring extra, loose, warm layer(s) for your top half, your red Irish Heart Foundation hat, socks and gloves, and a hot drink.
Pro tip: Hot water bottles are the height of winter dipping luxury!
Plan to get dressed quickly
As soon as you get out of the water, focus on getting dressed above anything else.
Lots and lots of small, loose layers without fiddly zips and hooks are recommended. Jeans, tight leggings, and materials like lycra are not your friends after winter dips.
Exercise warms you up fastest
The fastest way to properly warm up after you swim is exercise. A brisk walk after you have fully dressed and recovered, or running on the spot, or jumping jacks will stop the shivering in no time.
Plan ahead and know your exits
Familiarise yourself with the location of nearby lifeguard stations or emergency services. Having a buddy system is also advisable to assist if need and will double the fun.
In cold water, stay relatively close to the shore so you can return to the shore quickly when you are ready to leave.
Always respect the Open Water
Know your own limits and listen to advice from officials regarding weather and water conditions.
Additional resources for Open Water Swimming
This is a helpful guide for water safety in open water swimming if you choose to do your 12 Dips in open water - https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/open-water-swimming
Join our Facebook group
Join the 12 Dips in December Facebook group to connect with other Dippers and for important challenge updates
How to earn your 12 Dips in December medal
To earn your medal you need to do these 3 steps for all twelve Dips
- Take a photo every time you Dip
- Post your photo on your fundraising page
- Share your fundraising page on social media and tag the Irish Heart Foundation
To set up your fundraising page register now
