Nearly 300 swimmers, many of them wearing Santa hats, braved the cold sea and some jellyfish off Sliema this morning and raised €13,000 for the Community Chest Fund.

A further €8,000 were raised for Dar tal-Providenza in a similar activity in Rinella Bay, Kalkara.

The Sliema swim, an initiative started in 1999 by Anton Buttigieg, has consistently attracted a growing number of participants. Each donate a minimum of €50.

€10,000 were presented to President George Abela after last year's event. Dr Abela was at Sliema pier this morning to thank the swimmers. 

The youngest participant today was five years old. The oldest was 77.

The event was backed by the Thomas Smith group.

KALKARA CHARITY SWIM

Meanwhile, a further €8,000 for Dar tal-Providenza, were raised in another charity swim, held in Rinella Bay, Kalkara.

The activity was organised by a group of four friends, Keith Sultana, Shana Gafà, Eliza Farrugia and Claire Bugeja.

Donations were also presented by onlookers.