The annual Polar Bear Dip at Kelowna’s Tug Boat Beach was a frosty yet fun way for hundreds of people to come together and plunge into 2024.
Approximately 400 people took part in the dip, which is a fundraiser for the Community Recreational Initiatives Society (CRIS) Adaptive Adventures program.
CRIS works to remove barriers to adventure and helps people with disabilities access the outdoors with help from staff and specialized equipment.
Crowds of onlookers surrounded the beach for the countdown and cheered as people dove into the water.
Some waded in tentatively while others ran and leapt into the chilly lake.
Solo swimmers and groups of friends, families and teammates ran into the near-freezing lake while fuzzy blankets, bathrobes and towels waited for them on the beach.
A local water polo team wore their caps and speedos and played a quick game in the chilly water. Other people took the time to meditate and practice breath work while most quickly scampered out of the cold lake after submerging.
Those who showed up to the event alone were quickly welcomed into the crowd to participate in the shared experience.
The Jan.1, polar bear plunge was some people’s first time experience with icy waters, while others at the event have been cold plunging for more than a decade.
While the New Years swim was a big special event, a group of dedicated cold plungers meet every Sunday at 10 a.m. at Tug Boat Beach.
@kelownacapnews Hundreds started the new year with a cold plunge at Kelowna’s Tug Boat Beach #newyear #coldplunge ♬ original sound - Kelowna Capital News