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Polar bear diving events involve people jumping into ice-cold water for fun, charity, or health benefits. Clubs and organizations use the novelty to raise money for various causes. Ice swimming is generally safe for healthy people, but precautions should be taken. The Coney Island Polar Bear Club was founded in 1903 and meets regularly every Sunday from November to April. In Canada, the New Year’s polar bear plunge is a tradition in many communities. Finnish ice swimming enthusiasts love to combine the dip with the sauna experience.
In a polar bear diving event, people jump into ice-cold water for fun, charity, or for physical health and vigor. Events in the United States are often held to raise money for charity. In Canada, dipping has become a New Year’s tradition. Ice swimming is known in Finland as avantouinti and is often combined with sauna activities to impart health benefits. Cold water swimming is generally safe for healthy people, but a participant should be careful not to dive in a polar bear unless his or her cardiovascular system is in good shape.
Polar bear clubs have sprung up in the United States and one of the first was the Coney Island Polar Bear Club in New York. This club was founded in 1903 by Bernarr McFadden, a fitness expert who believed that a regular dip in cold water would invigorate the body. The club meets regularly every Sunday from November to April. A New Year’s Polar Bear Plunge is held regularly for club members and anyone who wishes to participate.
Clubs and other organizations use the novelty of ice swimming to raise money for various causes. A polar bear dive is an unusual activity and television and newspapers often reveal themselves to make a story about the participants. This can help draw attention to both the cause and the sport of ice swimming. Swimmers at events sometimes dress up in swimsuits or dive completely naked. Covering your feet is recommended, as numb feet may not be able to avoid dangerous objects in the water.
In Canada, the New Year’s polar bear plunge is a tradition in many communities. The actual number of attendees is likely lower than the official registrations, as many people simply show up and join. Finnish ice swimming enthusiasts love to combine the dip with the sauna experience. After a session in the sauna, they take a moment to refresh their bodies before stepping into the freezing water. The Avantouinti Society and other groups maintain ice-holes for swimming during the winter so people can enjoy them whenever they please.
There are a number of tips to remember before diving with a polar bear. Anyone considering trying ice swimming should be sure they don’t have any underlying heart problems or blood pressure issues. The swimmer is advised to keep the outerwear on until he is actually ready to enter the water to reduce the chance of hypothermia from exposure. Alcohol accelerates hypothermia and should be avoided. With proper precautions, ice swimming can be a unique and invigorating experience.
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