Balmy weather welcomes swimmers to 2020 Polar Bear Dip
By Nelson Daily Staff
More than a 100 brave swimmers couldn’t be happier with Mother Nature at the annual Polar Bear Swim held at Lakeside Park in Nelson.
With the thermometer hovering around 4 C, swimmers had not problems racing into Kootenay Lake at High Noon to raise money for Kootenay Co-op Radio, Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society and Fridays For Future.
“I think it was a good time had by all,” said Stephanie Myers, one of the many Kootenay Co-op Radio organizers.
“There might be some chilly feet in the area for the next couple of hours, possibly, but I think the weather was so perfect with almost no wind.”
Despite the balmy weather start to 2020, there were only a few swimmers who braved the water longer than a few seconds as at approximately 12:01 p.m. Kootenay Lake was almost empty.
All proceeds go toward the three co-sponsors — Kootenay Co-op Radio, Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society and Fridays For Future.
There was hot chocolate, chilli, coffee and propane heaters as well as music provided during the event.
Participants, including Spiderman and numerous people wearing costumes, began lining up at the water’s edge minutes before the horn sounded.
There were approximately 385 the annual kickoff to the New Year.
“Lots of people, hot chocolate chilli up top for everyone,” Myers said.
“Search and Rescue, BC Ambulance both on board, helping out which is great,” Myers added.
“Friends of Kootenay Lake, Kootenay Co-op Radio and Fridays For Future are all super happy everyone showed up to support this event and we look forward to doing it every year.”
What a fantastic way to start the next decade. In case you missed it, check out The Nelson Daily YouTube video below photos of the event.
Once the starting gun sounded, participants cranked up the jets before entering Kootenay Lake.
It was not a bad way to start 2020.
The Kootenay Co-op Polar Bear was on hand to provide support to swimmers.
