This year’s Santa Splash started with carol singing and bell ringing before a warm-up session led by local fitness coaches Eamon Swail and Calvin Brennan.
At 11am the Christmas Eve crowd raced into the cold water of Belfast Lough decked out in Santa hats, tinsel and elf ears.
Among them was Agriculture Minister and local MLA and Mayor of Ards and North Down Councillor Gillian McCollum.
This year’s event is in aid of two charities, Dementia NI and the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.
1. SANTA SPLASH
People running into the water at Helen's Bay, Co Down to take part in the annual Christmas Eve swim in aid of local charities Photo: Liam McBurney
2. SANTA SPLASH
People take part in the annual Christmas Eve swim at Helen's Bay, Co. Down, in aid of local charities Photo: Liam McBurney
3. SANTA SPLASH
People take part in the annual Christmas Eve swim at Helen's Bay, Co. Down, in aid of local charities. Picture date: Wednesday December 24, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Photo: Liam McBurney
4. SANTA SPLASH
People take part in the annual Christmas Eve swim at Helen's Bay, Co. Down, in aid of local charities Photo: Liam McBurney