The Porthcawl Christmas Morning Swim has its origins in the early 1960s, sparked by the passion of Arlon Owens, a man known for his unwavering commitment to daily swims, no matter the weather. Arlon, alongside a few local friends, would head to Rest Bay each morning for a dip in the sea, and it wasn’t long before this small gathering grew into a much-anticipated festive tradition.
By 1965, the tradition had gained enough traction for the Porthcawl Chamber of Trade to officially sponsor the event, and the first formal Christmas Morning Swim was held. The early swims were small but lively, with costumes and a festive parade adding to the fun.
As the swim grew in size and popularity, many notable locals became part of the event. Among them was Victor Davies, who joined the swim after returning to Porthcawl from the Navy.
The event continued to evolve over the years, becoming an essential part of the Porthcawl Christmas calendar. In the late 1980s, tragedy struck when Arlon passed away while swimming at Rest Bay. His death was a significant blow to the community, but the swim was taken forward by local figures like Stan Howells, who became instrumental in ensuring that the event continued to thrive. The swim grew larger, the costumes more elaborate, and the community’s spirit remained strong.
Ths swim has benefitted over the years from various notable committee members and volunteers.
Dai 'Viking' Thomas played a convincing Santa Claus for many years
Gareth Owens took on the role of 'Coco' after his father's passing. Chris Hughes and Victor Davies would marshall and lead all the swimmers each year.
Ian Stroud with his links to the RNLI has been a great help in keeping the event safe and well organised during his tenure as chairman.
Today, the Porthcawl Christmas Morning Swim is a thriving celebration of community, with over a thousand swimmers braving the cold each year. The festive atmosphere, the elaborate costumes, and the parade remain central to the event.
Arlon’s family continues to be involved, with his daughter, grandson, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter all playing active roles on the committee. The tradition lives on, ensuring that this treasured event will be part of Porthcawl’s Christmas mornings for years to come.