Hundreds gathered in Rome to watch the traditional Tiber River New Year’s plunge on Sunday, with one veteran diver dedicating his dive to the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Following the true Roman tradition, four Italian divers jumped into the river from the 15-metre-high bridge to welcome in the New Year.

One of the divers was Maurizio Palmulli, 70, who plunged into the water for the 35th year in a row as crowds of bystanders watched.

“We are diving just to keep this Roman tradition alive. Here there is neither politics nor money. I am happy to see many children because they are the ones who will continue this nice tradition,” he said.

See Euronews

Swimmers were seen running into icy sea for New Year’s Day dip on Devon beach.

People across the UK have braved the temperatures and gone swimming outdoors to kick off New Year’s Day celebrations.

Big crowds lined Marine Parade in Lyme Regis to watch hundreds taking part in the Lyme Lunge 2023. The annual New Year’s Day Charity swim is held in Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK and organized by the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis in aid of this year’s Rotary Charities