Past thrillseekers take on New Year's Day plunge pool and swim

The plunge in the River Wharfe and a spa pool on Ilkley Moor’s White Wells proved popular ways for people to see in in the new year in the past.

Unfortunately both events cannot take place on this first day of 2021 as then pandemic continues to scupper our district’s annual traditions.

In past years, the Otley swim has seen more than 50 swimmers, cheered on by hundreds of spectators, tackle a 20-metre stretch of the river beside Wharfemeadows Park.

Meanwhile, the second traditional New Year’s Day challenge in the district saw a group of daredevils dive into the cold water plunge bath at White Wells spa cottage on Ilkley Moor.

Since 1995, people have queued up to take a refreshing New Year’s Day dip in the 8ft by 6ft stone bath.

Here are a few images of each events from 2016 and 2018:

The river swim in Otley

Three daredevils take on the White Wells plunge pool