From left, Saugeen Shores Lifesaving Club (SSLC) athletes Geoffrey Midgley, Rachel Bohnert and Mackenzie Salmon holding Katie Stoner as they pose for a photo at the Port Elgin Main Beach before the SSLC’s fifth annual Polar Bear Dip February 20.

Editor's Note: In a February 21 email, Michael Hundt reported that they still had money coming in from athletes but that the total had reached over $2,500.

Hub Staff

There was still cold air moving in off the lake despite an unseasonably warm Family Day Monday, February 20 that saw the Saugeen Shores Lifesaving Club (SSLC) hold their fifth annual Polar Bear Dip.

Saugeen Shores firefighters spent the morning clearing ice between two dock fingers at the Port Elgin Harbour. Athletes jumped into the frigid water from one, swimming to the next, where a ladder awaited them.

All told, 20 athletes took the plunge with Michael Hundt, Saugeen Shores Aquatics Programmer wrapping up with not one, but two jumps into the ice-cold Lake Huron, surprising spectators and swimmers alike. “You’ve got to make sure you tell [the younger swimmers] the old guys can still keep up with them,” joked the warming Hundt. “I did my best and hopefully I can still do it for another year or two.”

The unpredictability of the day was the hard part, said Hundt, who has taken part in every Polar Bear Dip to date. “Not knowing what the conditions were going to be like, the fact that the weather was as gorgeous as it was has made it a little bit easier.”

Hundt said that each jump was like going through the motions. “You hit the water, it feels cold, you think, ’Okay, I’m going to the other side then I’ll get out.’” He added that the strength of the club’s athletes plays a part in their comfort level. “It’s not that they’re comfortable in cold water but they understand the importance with learning how to rescue themselves and others.”

This year was a first for the Junior lifesavers to join in on the annual event but Hundt said their participation would definitely continue and that all of the participating athletes really supported one another. “It’s awesome to see the group come out and it’s awesome how they all have their little bonding moments and that’s what’s really special about this group is, it doesn’t matter if it’s a 7-year old or a 25-year old from the lifesaving club they all are engaged with each other, they all want to help each other and get each other better and that’s so great to see,” said Hundt.

Phil Eagleson, Fire Chief with the Saugeen Shores Fire Department said that the Polar Bear Dip is a good training opportunity for his department. “So ice water issues is a concern, we’ve been training for years on it,” he said. “It gives the firefighters a chance to... spend some time in the rescue suits and perfect their skills on the ice.”

Shanna Reid, SSLC’s Aquatics Supervisor said that proceeds from the Polar Bear Dip will go toward equipment for club programs as well as paddle boards and surf skis for extended beach programs and water safety initiatives, also taking place at the beach. “All of the proceeds will go for the betterment of Saugeen Shores Lifesaving Club,” she said.

At the time of publishing, the total raised for 2017 was not yet known but last year, Reid said, the event raised the club about $1,000. “This year we’re hoping to do a bit more than that.”

Saugeen Shores firefighters clear ice from between two dock fingers at the Port Elgin Harbour. The department stayed on hand throughout the event should any of the swimmers need assistance.

First-time Polar Bear Dipper and Junior athlete, Conner McNeill, feels the cold as he swims towards a ladder in the icy waters at Port Elgin's Harbour.

Katie Stoner looks like she's running across the water but would soon feel the cold.

Michael Bohnert takes his turn as he leaps and cannonballs into the frigid water.

Natasha Jelly climbs out of the freezing water as fellow dipper, Athena Wolf, greets her with a towel.

For video and photos of last year's Polar Bear Dip, see: Taking the plunge: 2016 Polar Bear Dip or click below to see a video of this year's event.