The Riverton Mid-Winter Swim attracted more dare-devil swimmers than expected into the chilly waters of Taramea Bay yesterday. Now the event organisers are sure they can turn it into an annual event, which they say will be a positive boost to Riverton's community social calendar. 

Event organiser Doetie Keiser said she was thrilled to see so many people take part and come for support. 

"We were pleasantly surprised at the turnout which was great because we're trying to boost Riverton and get the community [more] involved."

"We did a [Mid-Winter Swim] five years ago. Then last year we started it again and had six people and then this year we’ve had 25," she said, as well as about 15 to 20 people turning up to support from the shore.

"It was great. Everyone had a really good time... quite a few kids were jumping in as well."

She said she the plan was to keep making it make it bigger and better each year.

She has already started brainstorming ideas such as having a fancy-dress theme, prizes for the best-dressed swimmer as well as spot prizes and a barbecue on the beach afterwards for the community enjoy and to come together.