P.E.I. polar dips go ahead despite chilly weather

At least two polar bear dips in Prince Edward Island went ahead as planned on New Year's Daydespite some very chilly temperatures.

More than 60 people took part in Charlottetown'sannual icy plunge, which kicked off at 10 a.m. by the Charlottetown Yacht Club, at the foot ofPownalStreet.

According to Environment Canada,temperatures were hovering around13.5 C, or21 C with thewind chill.

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Organizers had to cut a hole in the ice andallowed one person at a time to get in and out.The water is about 1.2 metresor four feetdeep.

To be "certified," dippers must immerse themselves to the neck, according to the P.E.I. Polar Bear Club, which hosted the event.

"It went great," said volunteer organizer CherylPaynter. "Mission accomplished!"

What motivates plungers?

People are seeking an adrenaline rush to start their new year, Paynter suggested

"It's a nice way to start off the year," shesaid."And it's tradition for a lot of people."

Besides being a fun way to kick off a new year, the event is a fundraiser:participants brought food items or cash donationsfor the local food bank.

Dip at the dam

Meanwhile, inMillvale, about a half-hour away from Charlottetown, about 20 peoplegathered to splasharound in the ice-cold falls at the local dam.

"Some years, the falls are so powerful it feels like is going split our headsbut it only last a few seconds," said participant Chantal Chanell-Walsh.

"It's a great tradition and now our kids are participating with us."

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