Old St. Nick recently took a break from his busy Christmas schedule to take a swim with Beaufort County residents.

On Dec. 11 at Moore Aquatic and Fitness Center, 40 people — an even mix of aquatic center members and those from the community — attended and had the chance to swim with the man himself, according to Dalace Inman, pool supervisor.

“Santa took a break from his busy schedule at the North Pole to come swimming with us,” Inman said. “Really, we’re just trying to do things in the community, getting people in the water and just do something fun for the holidays.”

Inman said most of the feedback she received from the event was very positive due mainly to the fact that children attendees actually got to play with Santa, rather than a quick visit like most opportunities to interact with Santa. Lifeguards were also dressed like elves and played in the pool with attendees.

The event was smaller than originally anticipated because of pool repairs that were thought to possibly conflict with scheduling, according to Inman. Pool staff is uncertain about whether the event will be continued as a tradition but hopes to at least have a day camp next year during the holiday break for students.