Hundreds of swimmers braved chilly waters in various locations, including Dornoch, South Queensferry, Kent, Fife, and Tyneside, to raise money for charity and celebrate the New Year. Many of the events were organized by the RNLI, and the swimmers donned fancy dress. The water temperature was estimated to be around 6°C. There were concerns about water safety, as the country saw several tragic drownings in December 2023. Lifeguards and surf lifesavers were on high alert due to the surge in cold-water swimmers, such as those at Greater Victoria beaches. Blue Water Task Force volunteers in South Vancouver Island conducted biweekly water sampling tests to inform the public of which beaches were safe for swimming.