Jay James returns for Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim 2015

This year saw more than 1,500 swimmers take to the freezing cold sea at Saundersfoot beach for the 31st New Year’s Day Swim, and for the second year in a row it was launched by Jay James, alongside mascot Charlie Shivers.

Following a countdown and firework launch, X Factor’s Jay James was left in charge of waving the flag, which signals for partakers to rush towards the icy cold water. The fundraising event was also attended by around 8,000 spectators this year, including those staying in nearby Saundersfoot holiday cottages, with many taking part in this year’s theme of fancy dress to remember 100 years since World War 1.

Jay James regularly attends the New Year’s Day Swim

The former X Factor contestant has previously taken part in the swim himself many times, and described how it had always been a yearly tradition for the singer. Uploading a message to Instagram after the swim, Jay James expressed his love for his hometown, alongside an image with the hashtag #villageselfie. He also posted on Twitter with a photo of the winning group who received an award for the best fancy dress.

Last year when Jay James attended the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim, he led the singing of Happy Birthday in honour of swim mascot Charlie Shivers’ 30th birthday, and can be seen wearing the specially made rugby shirt which commemorates the event. Since the beginnings of the swim, which began in 1984, the event has managed to raise more than £500,000 for 50 different charities, raising £37,000 last year alone.

Jay James became well-known in 2014 as a contestant on the X Factor, and was regarded as judge Simon Cowell’s favourite to win. Managing to reach the final eight, the ex-Royal Navy serviceman will now be performing with the other contestants on the X Factor 2015 Live Tour.

This content was written by Emily Bray. Please feel free to visit my Google+ profile to read more stories.