Christmas swimmers advised not to spend too long in water

Thousands of people across the country are expected to take the icy plunge today on their annual Christmas charity swims.

Irish Water Safety has advised swimmers not to stay in the water for too long as it can be as cold as 10 degrees Celsius.

The organisation also said that people should not enter the water if conditions are too rough.

The chairman of Irish Water Safety Frank Nolan also advised swimmers not to drink alcohol before swimming as it can bring on hypothermia.