Ice storm puts freeze on annual Hamilton Polar Bear Dip - Action News
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Hamilton

Ice storm puts freeze on annual Hamilton Polar Bear Dip

Ice banks on the beach render the conditions unsafe for bathers, organizers say.

Ice banks on beach render conditions unsafe for bathers, organizers say

One of the hundreds of Courage Polar Bear dippers makes his way out of Lake Ontario at Coronation Park in Oakville on Jan. 1, 2013. The Hamilton dip has been cancelled this year because of ice. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press)

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.

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.