Fireifighters, shopworkers, journalists and other keen swimmers all turned charity fundraisers and took the plunge in the 24-hour Colchester fire swim.
The swimmers covered more than 200 miles between them and raised an estimated total of £17,000 through sponsorship in the process.
Chairman of the Colchester Fireswim Committee Trevor Porter said today: "Once again it was an extremely successful event."
Mr Porter added this year marked the 18th year of the fundraising event, which has now raised more than £317,000 for the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund and Colchester charities.
The 24-hour marathon took place at Colchester Leisure World from 10am on Saturday.
Above; splashing around - Daniel Hare, 10, Luke Ranger, 11, and Jamie Hare, 10, have fun.
Picture: STEVE ARGENT
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