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

The 11th (official) Annual Polar Bear Swim took place in Williams Lake yesterday.  Onlookers wrapped in their scarves,mittens and parkas cheered as the swimmers began throwing themselves into the frigid waters at 1:00pm, while the temperature rose to a 'balmy' -3 degrees Celsius.

(Click 'play' above to watch the video coverage.)

Jason Ryll, a long time member of the Williams Lake Rustlers Mens Rugby team who sponsor this event each year, was the emcee for the event. "I believe that today's polar bear swim is the largest of its kind in western Canada," he said.

The event has actually run longer than 11 years in Williams Lake.  It started with just a couple of the rugby players doing it on a dare, and with that tradition was born. 

It has become more organized each consecutive year and is a highly anticipated community event now with consistently 150 'dippers' participating for a spectator crowd of 300 or more.

The money raised each year goes to the Junior Rugby Development Fund, which helps support local high school rugby teams.  Additionally, the funds are used to help the 'elite' rugby players who go on to play provincial rugby. 

We spoke to a few of today's dippers as they raced back up the hill to the heated trailers.  Although they had many personal reasons for braving the frosty waters, the general consensus was that it is just a 'cool' way to begin a new year.

(Photos: Stills removed from video clips.)

(Photo above: Jason Ryll reminded participants and spectators alike, because the event perpetually grows in popularity and parking at Scout Island is at a premium, you are encouraged to come early to the 2013 event so as not to miss a moment of the action.)

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