Port Dover’s Annual Polar Bear Plunge hits the beach tomorrow at 1pm, and hundreds are expected to dash into the icy waters of Lake Erie. The New Year’s Day tradition always draws a big crowd, with participants of all ages braving the cold for charity, community spirit, or just the thrill of it.
For anyone thinking about taking their first plunge, the Canadian Red Cross is reminding residents to stay safe. They say preparation is key — keep your clothes on until the last moment and stand on a blanket or towel before entering the water to protect your feet. Wearing socks, aqua boots, or running shoes can help prevent slipping or cuts on icy surfaces.
Plungers should never go in alone. A spotter on the shore should always be watching with a phone nearby in case of emergency. Experts warn not to stay in the water longer than two minutes to avoid dangerous cold-water shock or hypothermia.
After the splash, dry clothes, warm blankets, and shelter are essential. Signs of hypothermia include confusion, slowed speech, lack of coordination, and shivering that suddenly stops.