Scores of Missionites plunged into the new year on Sunday (Jan. 1) with the annual Polar Bear Swim at Stave Lake.
Approximately 75 people and one dog braved the cold water at 1 p.m. after a 10 second countdown. The swim lasted approximately two minutes.
There was also a crowd that came early to start camp fires and serve food and beverages. Nick Turnbull and his family were a part of that crowd.
“Oddly enough jumping into a cold lake is definitely an exciting way to start the new year,” Turnbull said. “My son was running alongside me. He enjoys it more than anybody.”
Turnbull has participated in the event for the past five years. The swim has happened each New Year’s Day since the mid-1980s.
@dillon_white
dillon.white@missioncityrecord.com
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