Take the Plunge: A Guide to New Year Polar Bear Swims
It’s that time of year again. Many of us are wondering how we should begin the New Year. Maybe running around the block with your suitcase? Trying to stuff in seven meals? Savouring twelve grapes as the clock strikes midnight or dancing the night away with strangers in a crowded street?
Or will you ring in the brand new year with a plunge into wintry waters?
Whether you relish January 1’s icy swim events or whether you simply lost a bet at a New Year’s Eve party here are a few tips to keep you safe during this invigorating annual tradition.
David Ziegler from Getty Images
Is a Polar Bear Swim Right for you?
We cannot stress this enough, always consult your physician before engaging in any kind of Polar Bear Swim. If you suffer from heart conditions or are pregnant, a polar plunge might not be right for you. Seek professional advice before participating in an ice-cold swim.
Finding a Polar Bear Swim
The first and most important rule of the polar plunge is NEVER PLUNGE ALONE
Joining an organized event is the safest way to participate in a polar plunge. You can count on medical aid, warming stations, music, and sometimes even refreshments at many events. These are just a few of the benefits of signing up for an organized swim.
Many events even have their own websites with helpful hints and local rules and regulations.
Here are some events that might be of interest to you:
Polar Bear Swim | City of Vancouver.
Sunnyside Park Beach, Toronto Swim
3rd Annual Polar Plunge: Kingston Grandmother Connection - Kingston Ontario Events | YGKEvents.com
Preparation
These icy events are not to be underestimated. They require a lot of preparation both physically and mentally. The waters you are plunging into are quite literally freezing cold, typically at, or almost at, the freezing point (0 °C or 32 °F). Don’t forget about the air temperature either which is typically much lower when you factor in the wind chill (we’re talking to you, Winnipeggers!) The stress this puts on your body is a lot which is typically why jumping into the water is band at Polar Bear swim events.
Understand Water Quality
Check Swim Guide before heading into the water. Runoff from melting snow and storm events can increase the level of contaminants flowing through a watershed. Know the quality of the water where you are polar dipping before making the plunge to avoid a swim in polluted waters.
Safety First
Stay bundled up
Keep your body covered up and warm until right before the swim.Wear something on your feet
Ice and rocks can make the rush into the water very painful. Wear beach shoes to protect your feet from cuts and scrapes.Slow down
There is a reason diving is banned at most Polar Bear events. It’s too much of a shock for the body. Give your body time to adjust to the frigid temperature and avoid a brutal shock by entering the water gradually.Don’t linger in the water
A couple of splashes and head back to dry land.Bring appropriate post-dip supplies
After the swim get dry and dressed in something warm as soon as possible. A towel, a big warm blanket, and a heap of warm clothes should all be with you.Don’t swim if you’ve been drinking
Avoid the polar plunge if you’ve been drinking. Alcohol impairs your body's ability to constrict blood vessels, which your body needs to do in order to protect your vital organs from the icy water. In sum, if you’ve been drinking your body gets colder faster and has a harder time warming up. Alcohol also hampers your judgement and your motor skills, two fundamental things you should always have with you when swimming.
Have fun and stay safe out there! If you’re planning on taking a New Year’s Eve plunge, feel free to post photos and tag @swimdrinkfish and @swimguide in your posts! Happy New Year everyone!
