After a week of deep freeze the sun came out warming to a welcome -6° C for the hearty bathers taking part in Rad Society’s third annual Polar Bear Plunge.

The event held on February 16, enticed many lake bound recreational enthusiasts taking advantage of the Family Day long weekend. Visitors and locals enjoying a skate or ski decided to, take up the challenge, and test the frigid waters of Lake Windermere.

The well-organized event had record participation with over a hundred people taking the plunge. Few lingered more than a few seconds in the pool-sized hole cut in the ice before jumping into the man-made hot tub, continually heated and topped up by water provided by Taynton Bay Spirits.

Panorama and Windermere Fire Departments were on site to provide a helping hand and ensure everyone was safe.

Funds raised by sponsors and pledges go toward the purchase of new adapted sports equipment. The RAD (Recreation Adaptive Society) gives individuals with short-term and permanent mobility issues who live in or are visiting B.C. the ability to rent adaptive equipment so that you can ski, snowboard, golf, paddle-board, bike, wake-surf, and hike.

The Polar Bear Plunge becomes more popular each year with participants, sponsors and spirited spectators, whose cheers take the sting out of the cold Lake Windermere winter water.

– Photos by Lisa and Bob Ede, Redneck Hippy Creative Studio. Bob and Lisa can be reached at [email protected]

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