The wind will whip across the frozen surface of Lake Simcoe, down at the end of Innisfil Beach Road, as dozens of brave Polar Bears prepare to take the leap and jump into the icy waters.
It’s time for the ICE Corp (Innisfil Community Events Corporation) annual Polar Bear Dip, which challenges the hardy to leap into the lake for charity.
This year’s dip will take place on Saturday Feb. 22 at Innisfil Beach Park in Alcona.
Registration fee is $25, which will go to a local charity – although dippers are encouraged to raise more in pledges, to benefit the community.
Registration begins at noon, at the gatehouse just inside the park. The dip starts at 1:30 p.m., with Innisfil firefighters on hand in their survival suits, helping dippers out of a hole cut into the ice, which is often nearly a meter thick at this time of year.
In the past, the polar bears have included some recognizable local celebrities, as well as ordinary residents, and even kids. The public is welcome to come out and watch the hardy, or fool-hardy, take the plunge.
Dippers are encouraged to wear a costume, but please remember: this is a family-friendly event!
For more information, or a registration package, click here.
