With temperatures dipping to almost -20C, participants in this year’s 16th annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim actually warmed up after taking the icy plunge into Williams Lake.
Organized by the Williams Lake Rustlers Rugby Football Club as a fundraiser for youth rugby in the community, roughly 45 swimmers braved the frigid weather at Scout Island.
Lake City secondary rugby coach and WLRRFC member Jason Ryll said this year’s swim — where participants were asked to collect pledges — raised roughly $3,500 for the club’s junior development program.
“This money helps out players by covering the costs of equipment, tours and tournaments,” Ryll said.
“A great start to 2016.”
