Ice storm puts freeze on annual Hamilton Polar Bear Dip

December's ice storm has put a freeze on another holiday tradition.

The annual Jan. 1 Polar Bear Dip at Hutchs on the Beachhas been cancelled.

Ice banks that have formed behindHutchs would make crossing into the water potentially dangerous for bathers, said Rick Creechan, the diners general manager.

For safetys sake, we dont want to take the chance.

• Related: Ice storm fouls up Hamilton's annual Christmas bird count

The yearly event, put on by the East Hamilton Optimist Club,sees dozens of participants plunge into frigid waters and raise moneyfor charity.

Would-be Hamilton swimmers are invited to join the Courage Polar Bear Dip in Oakville on Wednesday.

Co-organizer Trent Courage said volunteers have been working to clear ice from the town's Coronation Park (1426 Lakeshore Rd. W.).

"We had some iceissues at some pointourselves," he said. "Basically, we've been chopping up the ice andwe're ready to roll."

Participants may register online or atthe event, which starts at 12:30 p.m. Registration costs $25 per person, with some of theproceeds going towards World Vision Canada.

The actual swimis set for 2 p.m.It will be preceded by a costume contest and other festivities,

For more information, go to Polarbeardip.ca.