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A Bear Necessity

Regulars and newcomers alike make a big splash in Crofton Polar Bear Swim
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Jesse Shay helps get mom April Shay pumped up for her first time in the Crofton Polar Bear Swim. (Photo by Don Bodger)

The thrill of the chill is gone in a few seconds, maybe a few minutes for the diehards, in the Crofton Polar Bear Swim.

Whatever their reason for being there and doing it, 35 brave souls made the start of 2023 a unique one with a plunge in the first organized swim at the Crofton boat launch since New Year’s Day 2020. Crofton Fire Department members were back on the scene to provide camaraderie, hot dogs and hot chocolate, encouragement and certificates for the participants.

A large number of spectators turned up, spread between the boat launch and at the Crofton ferry dock for an overhead view.

The air temperature at swim time at noon on New Year’s Day was 6 C.

Crofton Fire Department’s Rick Smith gave his expert analysis on the water temperature. “It’s – – – – ing cold,” he observed.

Needless to say, that didn’t deter the regulars and many newcomers from taking the plunge. Crofton Fire Department members were happy to be there in support because its support from the community is appreciated.

“I wasn’t expecting this,” said Smith of the turnout. “Kind of getting out of COVID and everything’s back to normal.”

The department had previously done its part for the Crofton parade earlier in December and Christmas Eve carolling.

“We just go around town and wish Merry Christmas to all the kids and Santa’s there,” said Smith.

Bathing suits weren’t just the required attire for the Polar Bear Swim, with some opting to don costumes. Some went into the water slowly and methodically, but others were more aggressive in making a splashy entrance and one man even dove off the dock.

Familiar faces like Gabor Horvath, Lee Burridge and Richard Carey wouldn’t miss the event for the world.

“I moved here in 1990 and I’ve done it ever since,” said Burridge, a former Crofton Fire Department chief.

Horvath is a man-about-town known for organizing the Crofton Christmas parade and came with his daring swimwear.

Carey has made a presence the last four years consecutively since moving back to Crofton through COVID restrictions when just a hearty few did the swim on their own plus previous times during his younger days.

“It was wonderful,” he said. “The whole year I’ve been waiting for a good excuse to put on my Halloween costume again.

“Great turnout this year, best one I’ve ever seen.”

Porscha Howden just turned 23 on New Year’s Eve, and was bundled up in a robe before the start at the boat launch, as were Marnie McDowell and Marigold Howden, 5.

“I think she talked me into doing it,” said Porscha of a gentle prodding from McDowell.

First-timer April Shay said she had a great experience.

“It was cold. I’m really glad I did it. It’s not as bad as I thought it would be. Start 2023 with a bang. I’ve got a hot toddy now.”


@chemainusnews
don.bodger@chemainusvalleycourier.ca

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Richard Carey gets ready to disrobe for another Crofton Polar Bear swim. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Gabor Horvath checks out the water before the Crofton Polar Bear swim before revealing his revealing outfit. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Bundling up together before the Crofton Polar Bear Swim are: Marnie McDowell of Crofton along with Porscha Howden, 23, and Marigold Howden, 5. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Crofton Polar Bear swimmers take the plunge. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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It’s a refreshing dip for Crofton Polar Bear swimmers. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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These Crofton Polar Bear swimmers make taking the plunge in January look easy. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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These Crofton Polar Bear swimmers made sure to get all wet, not just dipping in their toes. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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The Crofton Polar Bear Swim is old hat for Crofton’s Lee Burridge so he stays in the water a little longer. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Lots of spectators lined the Crofton ferry dock to watch the Crofton Polar Bear Swim. (Photo by Don Bodger)


Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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