It was a really cool way to start 2019.
There were two local polar bear swims on New Year’s Day in the Mission area.
The larger one took place at 1 p.m. at Stave Lake as about 60 revelers ran into the water as part of the yearly tradition.
Just before the scheduled start time, the sun came out to raise the temperatures to an almost ‘bearable’ four degrees Celsius.
The other local swim took place at 11 a.m. at Hayward Lake.
Originally organized as a fundraiser for the Mission U11 Girls Soccer Team, the swim became a free event with 16 hardy souls braving the chilly waters, and 50 more well wishers cheering them on.
