Zurich on the Isle of Man New Year Dip sponsors 2026

Isle of Man Sea Dippers Celebrate 25 Glorious Years 

The iconic New Year sea dips in the South of the Isle of Man will celebrate a major milestone in 2026 – 25 years since the very first dip, which began with just eight hardy souls and has now grown into a spectacular community event welcoming around 300 dippers for the final swim in Port Erin.

What started as a simple idea has become one of the Isle of Man’s most loved New Year traditions, bringing together friends, families and visitors to welcome the year with cold water, warm hearts and fantastic local hospitality.

The celebrations take place across four southern beaches and span over two and a half hours, with each swim followed by a warm welcome at nearby venues – ensuring energy levels stay high and spirits even higher.

Swim Schedule – New Year’s Day 2026:

  • 10.00am – Chapel Beach
    The event will be officially launched by Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer and Lady Lorimer, sending the plucky dippers into the sea.
  • 10.45am – Port St Mary Inner Harbour, followed by The Albert
  • 11.30am – Gansey Beach, followed by The Shore Hotel
  • 12.15pm – Port Erin – The Grand Finale
    Fancy dress welcome (no theme!)
    Presentations and sponsor thanks at The Bay Hotel – 12.45pm

New Era, New Name – Zurich New Year’s Dips 2026

The 25th anniversary also marks an exciting new chapter, with a brand-new Main Sponsor confirmed and an official rebrand to:

Zurich New Year’s Dips 2026

Zurich on the Isle of Man is proudly supporting the event as headline sponsor for 2026.

“Zurich’s passion for community involvement made this partnership a natural fit,” said event organiser Lenny Conroy “Their support enables the event to grow while keeping its heart firmly rooted in local spirit and charity.”

“The New Year’s Dip encourages people to start their year surrounded by community and resilience. We’re very pleased to be able to support a great event that gets us thinking about our wellbeing and feeling motivated for the future, all while raising money for The Children’s Centre. A big thank you to Southern Dippers for organising and growing the New Year’s Dip into the amazing event it is today; a brilliant way to celebrate 25 years,” said Stephanie Hatton, Corporate Benefits Executive, Zurich.

Island Escapes sponsor Chapel Beach

Island Escapes is proud to sponsor Chapel Beach, the first of the 4 dips. 

Island Escapes is a local Isle of Man luxury holiday lettings agency, specialising in providing high-quality self-catering accommodation across the island, welcoming both residents and visitors to experience the very best of Manx hospitality. Our support for this event reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in community initiatives that celebrate the island’s spirit and bring people together. We extend our best wishes to all participants for a safe, successful and revitalising start to the new year.

Supporting The Children’s Centre

Each year, the event supports a different local charity. In 2026, all proceeds will go to
The Children’s Centre, whose incredible work transforms the lives of young children and families through care, education and emotional support.

Funds are raised through:

  • Local business sponsorships
  • Volunteer bucket collections
  • Sales of limited-edition event t-shirts

All thanks to the continued dedication of volunteers from Rushen & Western Mann Rotary Club, who ensure the day runs smoothly and collections are maximised. Thanks also go to the volunteers all year round in the form of Port Erin and PSM Lifeboat, Port Erin Coastguard and ST John’s Ambulance. Aswell as the wonderful Landlords who turn round late nights’ to ensure we are welcomed in the morning.

Beach Sponsors for 2026

Generous local sponsors supporting individual beaches include:

  • Zurich
  • Island Escapes
  • Jackson’s Engineering Merchants
  • Port Erin Pets
  • Steve Morley Surveyors
  • RCM Hoist Hire
  • Manx Ocean Crew Management
  • Bushy’s
  • Macro Metal Services

Every pound raised goes directly to the chosen charity.

 

 

 

 

 

A Tradition Built on Courage, Community and Cold Water

From eight pioneers to hundreds of smiling faces in fancy dress, the Southern Dips have grown into something truly special.

“It’s not just a swim – it’s a celebration of community, resilience and fun.”

As the Isle of Man steps into 2026, the Zurich New Year’s Dips promise an unforgettable start to the year – bold, charitable and brilliantly Manx.