Mother Nature shines on KCR Polar Bear swimmers
By Nelson Daily Staff
Preparation time is a full year, but the actual swim, for the majority of the participants, lasts only a few minutes, if not seconds.
The 2018 Kootenay Co-op Radio Polar Bear Swim proved to be another success story as a whopping 120 swimmers braved the minus-6 C temperatures under sunny skies and icy Kootenay Lake waters at Lakeside Park beach to ring in the New Year in style.
“Because it’s fun to do,” said Aaron Davies prior to slipping off the clothes for the 20-meter sprint to Kootenay Lake.
“And sometimes, running into Kootenay Lake to start the New Year, is just fun to do.”
This is the second year Kootenay Co-op Radio has played hosted to the event, which joined hands with Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society as co-sponsors.
“This is a wonderful community event that we are honoured to keep going and improve on every year,” said organizer Stephanie Myers.
“It’s a good fit for Kootenay Co-op Radio and Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society, throwing a party and protecting the lake at the same time.”
Participants, including Spiderman, began lining up at the water’s edge about 30 minutes before the horn sounded.
Myers figured approximately 450 people attended, with a 100-plus jumping into the water.
Emergency personal were on hand to attend to anyone experiencing difficulty in the water.
Mike Garbula kept EHS attendants busy, remaining in the water for a lengthy period of time before exiting.
“It almost makes me feel like I want to go back in,” said Lawrence, a friend of Garbula. “The water was delightful.”
“And it’s a fantastic way to start the New Year.”
All donations go directly to KCR and FOKLSS to help them continue their important community work.
