Posted on Wed, Dec. 22, 2004
The weather outside will probably be frightful. And the dip some swimmers will take on New Year's Eve will be anything but delightful. When a northern tradition invades a southern pool, the results could be interesting.
The inaugural Polar Bear Challenge will take the plunge at 1 p.m. on New Year's Eve at the Ridglea Country Club's outdoor swimming pool. Participants will swim the length of the pool (33 1/3 meters), regardless of the temperature. Event director Chuck Burr was looking for something different to keep his swimmers challenged.
Oh, and wet suits are not allowed.
"I wanted something that was a human interest-type thing. The swimmers either have me to blame or to thank," Burr said. "When we first talked about this, it was 100 degrees outside and they were so excited. Now I'm starting to see some reservations."
Burr first talked about the event in early December, when water temperatures were already in the low 50s. He said he will see how the event goes before deciding whether to do it again.
"We may have one person, we may have 50," Burr said. "It's about whoever's brave enough, and it will be cold."
The event cost is $12 before Friday and $15 after. For more information, call Burr at (817) 732-8111 or send e-mail to chuckburr@sbcglobal.net.