Some 120 young people celebrated World Youth Day yesterday by taking an unseasonable swim in St George’s Bay, St Julian’s.

The young people, hailing from various organisations such as the Catholic Action Youths (ZAK) and the Institute of Tourism Studies, braved the over Force 6 northwest wind and a sea temperature of 15°C to form a human chain from one side of the bay to the other.

Their successful attempt was aided in no small way by the wet suits provided by diving schools, with some instructors joining in. Even the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport Clyde Puli joined in as the young people shouted and had a good time as they formed the chain, before swimming towards the beach for a hot drink provided by ITS.

Divers from the Civil Protection Department kept an eye on the young people, as did members of the St John’s Ambulance from the shore.

The human chain was just one of a number of activities organised by Agenzija Sedqa in collaboration with ITS and Bay Street Complex. Activities included beach games organised by ZAK, music, dance, judo demonstrations, and a mocktail bar.

ZAK member Matthew Farrugia told this newspaper that he was involved in the preparations of other activities and was happy to participate, as did ITS teacher Helena Micallef and student Caroline Polidano.

Mr Puli said he normally has his first dip on the feast of St Gregory — a Maltese tradition, yet admitted he had cheated since he wore a wet suit.