Photo: Veteran Polar Bear plunger Jonathan Ware braved the cold waters with his daughter and a friend.
By Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press
A truly immersive affair, the frigid temperatures of minus 13 C, a snow packed beach and lily pads of floating ice on the water did not deter the locals, cottagers and visitors who came out to partake in the annual Lion’s Head Polar Bear Dip.
Arriving in full winter gear for the scheduled 11 a.m. polar dip, many of the participants come year after year, while some of the younger generation joined in for the first time. For many it was a quick icy plunge, mere seconds of a run in and out of the water, while others enjoyed a more leisurely float amongst the ice. The quintessential Canadian New Year’s Day activity drew visitors from Australia. As they exited the icy water, they were thrilled to be told by locals that they were now considered ‘Honourary Canadians’.
For those considering a dip next New Year’s Day, the advice from the young generation is “just go for it, otherwise you will chicken out.”
Photo (L-R): Steven from Milton and Christopher from Australia enjoy the waters at Lion’s Head beach for the annual Polar Bear Dip – a Canadian tradition!Photo L-R: The Darnbrough family – Ella, Steven and Christopher – brave the cold waters at the annual Lion’s Head Polar Bear Dip.Photo L-R: Claire, Adam, Cody, Cody jr, Mason and Adler after their exhilarating dash in and out of the icy water. It was Mason and Adler’s first time participating in the polar dip; they say they will definitely be back next year. Photo: For many it was a quick dash in and out in the icy water at the annual Lion’s Head Polar Bear Dip.Photo: Cottagers, the Ware family and friends make the polar dip an annual winter holiday tradition.Photo:Swimmers arrived bundled up for the frigid weather (L-R) Claire, Adam, Cody, Cody jr, Mason and Adler after their exhilarating dash in and out of the icy water. It was Mason and Adler’s first time participating in the polar dip, but say they will definitely be back next year.
