A frigid start to 2024 for Merrittonians that braved the Polar Bear Plunge

MERRITT — The Polar Bear swim has long been celebrated for over 100 years and this New Years rang in another successful dip, bringing the community together in the coldest way possible.

It’s been celebrated from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast and this year Merritt had their own version of the frigid swim.

Callie Langlois and many other Merrittonians gathered to engage in their 2024 edition of the Polar Bear Swim. The turnout was good with about 8-10 people showing up and Callie hopes to build the event so more people show up next year.

While B.C has experienced a much milder winter than usual, that didn’t stop a swim in Nicola Lake at this time of year as being a cold one to say the least.

The freezing cold dip was described as “exhilarating, frigid and breathtaking.”

Merritt’s version of the Polar bear swim took place at Quilchena Beach/Nicola Lake to ring in the New Year.

Swimming in cold water has long been known to lead to health benefits. Another way cold plunging may induce calmness is through submerging your head in water.

Unlike the initial cold shock response, this stimulates the branch of the nervous system which “lowers your heart rate, blood pressure and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Polar Bear Plunge Atendees 2024 | Callie Torgerson