The Polar Bear Plunge

When I lived in Michigan I knew of this club and how they would jump into the rivers or lakes up there, usually on New Years Day. I thought they were nuts then and I still do. That water is cold enough to cause some serious trouble for their bodies. Some can go into shock as they jump into that cold of water, not to mention when they come out and that water freezes on them. It's nice they are raising money for charity but I would think there are more sane ways to do that.

We do have a local group that does this every new years day. Usually by then we have ice over the lake but this year there wasn't any ice formed yet. They have 2 versions, one of whackos that just jump in and another of slightly less whackos that are scuba divers that go in! LOL It is a wonderful cause though, I agree. I've done it, one time and seriously ended up with pneumonia after doing it (not sure if it really was from the jump in or not) but decided not to push my luck again. As a matter of fact my mother still insists on reminding me of my "stupidity" when I was in college. HEY.. I thought it was a good cause and sounded pretty "college like" to me! lol

They do it New Years Day every year. A whole bunch of nutty people come out in the cold and jump in the river. I don't think they do it for charity, that is a good idea. There is no way I would do that. Hehe!!

They have this event near me. I think it is cool to watch, but I wold never do that. Way to cold.

We have that, but ours is a bit different. They have a thing of water but it's not like an ocean or a lake and people are in their swimsuits, but they have to just jump in and then they get out right away. Still, I think that is really stupid and dangerous and I would never do that. This year it was actually cancelled due to the extreme cold.

I know Washington state does, but I don't know about Utah. I'm originally form there, and it's even been covered on the news before, Q13 fox, and king 5, multiple times. Television shows you some very interesting things!!

I would do it! :) Why not? You get to go have some fun doing something with other people that do not mind doing something that is crazy...but fun! You can meet some pretty interesting people that way. And it is not as if you have to worry about impressing anyone...because everyone will look like a smurf! :)

There is a polarbear club close to me but I'm not exactly sure where they do it. I just remember hearing about it. They do it on New years day and I'm not sure if they do it for a charity or just to be stupid.lol.I think they are crazy but if its done for a charity then I guess it is a good idea.

Wow what an interesting event for a charity works. here in our country we have a charity event to that let's every members to run 2-3 kilometers run. What the organization earn in the registration will be given to charity works.

That must be pretty cold and I bet it would be pretty dangerous as well. You could suffer from hypothermia within minutes if water is that cold. Anyways, it is for a good cause and I do salute these people for their bravery and for taking time to do their share to help conserve our polar bears. As to doing it myself, I'll have to think about it hehe.

no we do not have it, as we live in the tropics, but i have heard of this from my friend who lives in toronto.....she was amazed when she heard abt this....

LOL I have never heard of this. It is crazy! Like you, I would not do it. I think I will stick to giving a donation to my favorite charity. Wonder how many of them get sick as a result of this act?

I agree with you. I don't know how they stand swim in that cold water. We have been having extremely cold weather here and I don't even want to go outside with lots of coats and scraves on.

wow thats amazing hehe a bit crazy but people enjoy life this way..hehehe if i were there i won't plunge into the water But i'll be there to watch this event...hehe it freezes me just by thinking about it heheheh.

Due to being Diabetic, and with Neuropathy, Arthritis, etc. there is no way I could even consider something like this. I Frost bit my feet 25 yrs. ago while living in IL, and this was enough COLD water, etc. for me. I sometimes think these type of people are CRAZY. Where do they get such pleasure in stuff like this?

Where I live it´s too hot for the temperature to drop below freezing. To be honest, I wouldn´t get into icecold water even if it was for charity. I´d rather contribute the traditional way. I do admire the people who do it though. They are doing it for a good cause, which is the most important thing. :-) XXX Dana

Well, that sounds really fun. But, I do not think that I have heard of that around here before. I just don't think that we have it then. I think it is great to raise money for charity too.

Hi,K! I don't think it would be possible for me to take a plunge in the ice down here in florida,lol. I think if I had the opportunity, I would for the right charity