Swimmer Zoe Denize loves the cold.
The 13-year-old was joined by 79 other participants yesterday, in what More FM presenter and organiser Jackson Bray said was the best turnout in years.
That is why for the past three years, she has been the last person in the water after all the other Oamaru Midwinter Swim participants have retreated to their towels.
Even as a little girl, Zoe would jump into freezing lakes and icy ocean waters for fun.
"Hopefully, there will be a prize for it next year," Zoe said. Although she had not gone without prizes.
Last year, she won best costume for her cockatoo ensemble. This year, her outfit included feathers and CDs.
Even as a little girl, Zoe Denize would jump into freezing lakes and icy ocean waters for fun. Photo: Ruby Heyward
He was not just talking about those braving the waters. A couple of hundred onlookers gathered along the Friendly Bay Esplanade to watch the fun, he said.
The sun had played a big part in that. In previous years people had been deterred by rainy weather or wind, he added.
