With the thermometer reading a balmy -7 degrees C and the shoreline waters of Okanagan Lake checking in at 0, about 100 brave souls took the plunge Monday in the 33rd annual Summerland Kinsmen Club Polar Bear Dip.

鈥淚鈥檓 calling it the best of the worst feelings,鈥� said club president Blair Gillingham, before the noon start on News Year鈥檚 Day at Sun-Oka Beach in Trout Creek. 鈥淭his is just an ongoing tradition and everybody seems to love it.鈥�

Gillingham admitted afterwards he was a little worried about the turnout but was relieved to see all the vehicle and participants pulling in at the last minute.

鈥淣ow I would say it鈥檚 the best ever,鈥� he said with a smile.

Summerland鈥檚 Tom Reilly was back again for another year, and figured going into his 85th year, now was as good as time as any to keep the tradition alive personally.

鈥淐hilly but nice,鈥� he said standing on shore after his time in the water. 鈥淚 did it last year, some people never learn.鈥�

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Along with other Kinsmen Club members, a large contingent of Penticton and District Search and Rescue representatives were on shore and in the water to help out in the event anyone got into problems however, fortunately, there were no problems.

A BC Ambulance Service crew was also on site.

There were five fires ablaze on the beach for dippers to warm themselves post swim, along with some hot chocolate and hot dogs.

Donations for the food, refreshments and T-shirts go towards projects by the Kinsmen locally.

鈥淲e鈥檙e serving the community鈥檚 greatest needs and that鈥檚 important to us,鈥� said Gillingham, who is also past participant.

To report a typo, email:
newstips@pentictonwesternnews.com.

newstips@pentictonwesternnews.com
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