The Boxing Day swim organized by CoDA (Care of Didim Animals), which took place opp. Pinocchios on Altinkum Beach, saw several Turks and foreign nationals head into the Aegean with various costumes and stayed in the water for about 15 minutes.

The group was applauded as they emerged from the water. Donations collected will go to benefit homeless animals at the Didim Municipality Stray Animal Shelter, such as dry food and medicine.

Veterinarian Ali Karahallı, working at the Didim Municipality Street Animals care centre, said: “Our traditional sea swimming event is held to raise awareness. As Didim Municipality, we chose to stand by them and organized together to take care of our stray animals.

“That’s why we would like to thank the participants, all the people of Didim, and everyone, local and foreign. That’s why it was a good event. With the income they earn, they meet our various needs such as missing medical supplies and food in our shelter. In this sense, I would like to thank them for facilitating such an organization.”