Get Polar Bear Plunge Waiver

Unfortunately, seemingly healthy people can be at risk for a cardiac event during a polar swim in icy waters. The best defense, many doctors have claimed, is acclimation; by progressively getting your body used to cold water, you can work to minimize the shock to your system.

A polar bear plunge is an event held during the winter where participants enter a body of water despite the low temperature. In the United States, polar bear plunges are usually held to raise money for a charitable organization. In Canada, polar bear swims are usually held on New Year's Day to celebrate the new year.

Giesbrecht says people with underlying heart issues, or other health problems, should probably avoid going polar, which he describes as “a fairly dangerous thing.” The cold water greatly triggers the body's sympathetic nervous system, releasing adrenaline and greatly stimulating the heart, he says.

The first recorded Polar Bear Swim took place in Boston 1904. In many Canadian communities, plunging into icy water for a swim is a New Year's Day tradition.

Before jumping in the water, stand on a blanket or towel and only remove your clothes right before you enter the water. Wear socks, aqua boots, neoprene surf boots or running shoes to stop your feet from sticking to the snowy or icy shore and prevent cuts and scrapes from the frozen ground.

Once it's time to jump in, ensure you have a spotter on the shore keeping an eye on you at all times. They should have a reaching or throwing assist and a cell phone in case of an emergency. It's especially important that you do not stay in the water longer than two minutes.