The numbers are in and a record was broken for the 2009 Polar Bear Swim with 804 registered swimmers up 100 from last year, although some estimates put the actual number of those taking the plunge at around 600. Every year there are those who sign up and chicken out. Bridget Beilein who was there last year, but had cold feet, was voted Polar Bear Queen, although competitor Rebecca Scherrer and her fiancee thought they had the election in the bag by offering free jello shots for votes.
Swimmers came in all shapes, sizes and apparel for the largest Polar Bear Club in the world. Santa and his elf, pirates, a leprechaun, clown, anteater, a very large and hairy baby (complete with diaper, bonnet and a bib reading "Mama says I'm special") and an escaped jail inmate all made an appearance along with people donning togas, tutus, tuxedo, fur coats and the more traditional bathing suits and shorts.
On a more serious side some swimmers were there in memory of lost ones. A group of students from nearby Wilson High School were there in memory of Tim Kelahan, who was killed in a car accident last year. One family I know was there in matching shirts in tribute to their son Andrew who died last year and was a polar bear in the last swim. His sisters Samantha, 12 and Anastasha, 24 along with cousins Sarah 9, and Sadie 8, took the plunge while Andrew's father and stepmother were there to help the polar bears and cubs get warm and dry.
A couple of thousand friends, relatives and spectators braved the 20 degree weather (5 degrees with windchill) to watch the daring polar bears take the plunge into the icy 33 degree water of Lake Ontario. Heavy Equipment worked the days before to open a hole in the ice to accommodate the swimmers. Those who normally dive in (my preferred technique) were unable to do so because of the ice floating in the area. I always hated years like this because wearing extra clothes means you have more to take off with your numbs hands in order to get dry and into warm clothes, it keeps you from getting scraped up by the ice.
We didn't stick around long after the initial swim and there were still people going in when we left, but reports say the swim was a complete success, with a few entrants bringing in over $1,000 each. The total raised is hoped to be over $15,000 for the local Lions Clubs.
I have posted some videos and have many to go if you want to check them out.
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