News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

Rugby supporters and enthusiasts and other adventurous residents brace themselves for another adrenalin-laced event on Williams Lake on New Year’s Day at the annual Polar Bear Swim.

This is Williams Lake Rustlers Rugby Football Club member Brad Bulow’s second year organizing the event. A member of the club for about five years, he has also experienced the invigorating swim himself several times.

“Matt Sherlock and Roy Argue organized the swim until the last couple of years. It has turned into a fundraiser for youth rugby and I’m glad to help keep it going,” Brad said.

“I see it as a wake-up call at the beginning of a new year—it really makes you appreciate having a warm home and warm clothes.”

He said that his first time jumping, he and some friends won ‘best costume’ at the event by taking the icy plunge in suits and ties.

“There are some brave souls out there, and I see this as a good community event that anyone can participate in,” he said. “This is an event that happens around the world, but here it’s really ‘Polar Bear.’

(Click 'play' to watch video footage of the Polar Bear Swim from last year.)

The Williams Lake Polar Bear Swim takes place at Scout Island at 1:00pm on New Year’s Day, with participant sign-up starting at noon.

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