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Rustlers to host 14th annual Polar Bear Swim

This year marks the 14th year area residents will gather on the shores of Williams Lake to take a cold plunge.
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Lakecity rugby players Sheridan Davis and Anne Butlers take the plunge at last year’s Polar Bear Swim. The annual event takes place at Scout Island and is hosted by the Williams Lake Ristler’s Rugby Club.

This year marks the 14th year area residents will gather on the shores of Williams Lake to take a cold plunge.

The Williams Lake Rustlers Rugby Club is once again encouraging those with an appetite for winter excitement or a need to dust off the New Year’s Eve revelment to join the funat their annual Polar Bear Swim.

Participants and spectators are asked to gather on the Scout Island beach at noon to take the plunge or cheer on those who plan to jump into the icy waters of Williams Lake.

A temporary swimming pool will be carved out of the ice for the occasion.

Last year about 50 children and adults braved the icy waters.

Spectators also turned out in droves to support the event which is a fundraiser for high-school and youth rugby programs in Williams Lake.

Hot chocolate and chilli is sold by donation on the beach during the event to warm the hands of spectators and jumpers alike and help raise funds.

A heated trailer is usually on site as a change room for the swimmers.

 



Greg Sabatino

About the Author: Greg Sabatino

Greg Sabatino graduated from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops with a Bachelor of Journalism degree in 2008.
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