Ringing in 2019 at the KCR Polar Bear Dip
By Nelson Daily Staff
At High Noon on New Year’s Day more than 100 brave souls jumped into Kootenay Lake for the annual Kootenay Co-op Radio Polar Bear Swim.
At approximately, 12:01 p.m., most swimmers were out of the water.
It doesn’t take long for participants to, well, participate in the annual Kootenay Co-op Radio Polar Bear Swim held January 1 at Lakeside Park in Nelson.
The warm-up consumes the most time as swimmers muster every ounce of courage for the albeit, brief dip into Kootenay Lake.
This is the third year Kootenay Co-op Radio has played hosted to the event, which joined hands with Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society as co-sponsors.
All proceeds go toward the two co-sponsors. There was hot chocolate, chilli, coffee and propane heaters as well as music provided during the event.
Participants, including Spiderman, began lining up at the water’s edge minutes before the horn sounded.
There were approximately 350 attending with 100-plus jumping into the water.
A few participants decided to soak a little longer than most.
Emergency personal, including Nelson Search and Rescue and BC Ambulance were present to attend to anyone experiencing difficulty in the water as well as the stragglers.
What a fantastic way to start the 2019 New Year. In case you missed it, check out The Nelson Daily YouTube video below photos of the event.
It was a mad dash to Kootenay Lake once the clock struck High Noon.
Then, it was a mad dash out of Kootenay Lake.
Spiderman dropped by the KCR tent prior to the swim to speak with Anthony Sanna.
As well as the KCR Polar Bear.
After it was all over, there's nothing like a tub of warm water to warm up the feet.
