The Deni Big Freeze crew — consisting mainly of long-time Melbourne visitors and a few locals — measured the temperature of the water at about 5°C before they took their swims at McLean Beach at 11am and 11.30am.
The annual fundraising event was born in 2017 by friends and family of Bob Tottle after he was diagnosed with MND.
Sunday’s swim had extra meaning this year, as Mr Tottle lost his battle with the disease in April.
‘‘This was our first one without uncle Bob,’’ event co-coordinator Kyle Healy said.
‘‘We jumped in two groups so we could make sure to abide by social distancing rules.
‘‘Because we’ve done it so many times now it’s actually more difficult, because we know what’s coming.
‘‘This year I was in the second group so I was watching the first group go in thinking ‘I’ve got to do this soon’. I’m usually the first one in and out because it is so cold.
‘‘And I actually went in twice because we had a late comer, and we could not let her jump in on her own.’’
While Coronavirus restrictions limited the group’s capacity to fundraise — which normally includes tin rattling on their annual ‘Krunk Tour’ of local clubs and pubs — Kylee said the result so far has been surprising.
Through virtual fundraising alone, the group has so far raised $2000. Its record annual fundraising tally so far is $3600, achieved last year when they had 27 participants.
Donations are still being accepted at https://support-fightmnd.everydayhero.com/au/deni-big-freeze.
19°C