While it may have felt like spring was in the air, the 40 centimetres of ice at the North Bay marina made it clear it was not swimming weather.
But just the same, over 60 people decided Sunday was the perfect day to take the plunge.
The Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics.
Chris Thorne was a first time plunger, and beforehand, admitted he was somewhat concerned.
“It seemed like a good idea a month ago. Doesn’t seem like that good an idea now.
“It’s not snowing like they said it would be last week. It is sunny and beautiful, but it is not plus 10 like it was last week.”
The idea is simple enough: cut a hole in the ice at the marina and people raise money to go towards Special Olympics in order to go into the water.
Essentially, people pay other people to jump in the frozen lake.
Seems reasonable, especially for organizer Merv Shantz, from the North Bay City Police.
“We’ve been meeting since December just to get everything together. We have the 22 Wing military divers today, we have EMS, we have North Bay Fire Department personnel on hand. It’s quite an elaborate set up. We need to cut the hole. Lafond's Towing were here all day yesterday cutting the hole.”
With that much preparation time, and that many emergency services, there was no reason Chris and the other 60 plungers had to worry.
Plungers came in all forms, from university sports teams to individuals to businesses, to athletes themselves.
So, with a supportive crowd cheering them on, and with bright sunshine around, in the plungers went.
Including Chris, who later admitted, with a laugh, he enjoyed it.
“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was gonna be. It was actually kinda good. I think I’m gonna go to the back of the line and do it again.”
This is one of 11 such plunges across the province, and this particular Polar Plunge nicknamed "Freezin for a Reason", managed to raise over $20,000 for Special Olympics.
Which is more than enough to warm anyone who’s cold from a quick dip in Lake Nipissing.
