"It was not cold at all, the water was 21 degrees. It will get down to 14 or 15 degrees. It was like summer, so it has got at least another five to six degrees to go," said Mackerels president Steve Weller.

56 people braved the cold, including 16 new members. About 20 of those will swim every Sunday morning from May to September.

Mr Weller said he is hoping this will mark the first full winter swimming season for the club since 2019.

"It is fantastic because we have been terribly impacted by COVID for the last couple of seasons.

"The motto of the club is friendship and fitness. It is not about being the fastest on the day it is about turning up, getting in the water when it gets cold and getting out amongst it, enjoying each others company.

"If it wasn't for the club you would be sitting at home, tucked up in bed. Instead you are down there, out in the elements and having fun."

All ages and abilities are welcome for the weekly swim at Merewether Baths, with handicap races to ensure everyone is given the opportunity to get fit and have some fun during the winter season.

"We will have days when it is windy, rainy and cold and that is what it is all about," said Mr Weller.

"If there wasn't a group of people and you weren't down there cheering each other on and just having a laugh with each other you wouldn't do it.

"When the water is anything below 16 degrees it starts to sting a bit. We will get days down to 15 or 14 degrees and there is no way you would do it if you weren't down there having a laugh."