Polar Bear Plunge Day is right around the corner and we should recognize it! The name for Polar Bear Plunge Day (PBPD) comes from how polar bears always like to take a dip in cold waters. PBPD takes place on January 1st of every year. On this day people are encouraged to take a dip in cold, freezing waters. People that participate can gather around at a local lake that is frozen and jump in. People can also can have a nice ice bath at home.
This event also raises money for charities as a way to start off the new year. This fundraiser usually has shops and sponsors show up for the event. Many go can enjoy the event and many also make the decision to jump in. The money made goes to charities that have gone to event and those that need.
Although, dipping in cold waters might not be your thing there are many benefits. Taking a quick swim in these cold water can boost the immune system, improve circulation, burn calories, reduce stress, and the best of all, it provides you a way to meet new people and make friends. Hypothermia is still a risk but you just need to be careful and aware. Everyone is invited to the PBPD event, even children. Parents or guardians are needed to be with them though. Everyone should try to do this even as a family trip!
A man named Peter Pantages created Polar Bear Plunge Day. Pantages was a Greek immigrant that went to Canada. On January 1st, 1920 Pantages invited his friends to have a swim in the cold water with him. They then become a group in Vancouver that was known for dipping in these cold waters. They were named the “Polar Bear Swim Club”. Although, Pantages sadly passed in 1971 this tradition continues and is used for good.
