Hamilton polar bear dip put on ice

[projekktor id=’17087′]

For many, a new year means new beginnings. But for a small group of people who plunge into the icy waters at Hamilton beach each January 1st, the start of 2015 will mean the end of a decades-old tradition.

Faces and fashion have changed over the years, but the screams and shivers that accompany a polar bear dip behind Hutch’s on the beach in Hamilton have remained a constant.

On New Year’s Day 1977, there were more spectators than swimmers. And on January 1st, 2015, there may not be anyone taking a dip in Hamilton at all.

Hutch’s manager Rick Creechan says “We used to provide hot chocolate and a tray of fries for everyone that went in.”

Hutch’s doesn’t organize the swim, but for decades would open its doors – until now. Creechan says the business will stay closed because without a sponsor like the East Hamilton Optimist Club to ensure things are run safely, they can’t afford the liability.

“We didn’t want to be open and have the risk of somebody being hurt and maybe we’d be dragged into it. So we just made the decision, it was a tough one but we said if we’re going to do it let’s do it and have it over with.”

Sam Speakman, vice-president of the East Hamilton Optimist Club says the organization hasn’t been involved for the last 6 years due to liability reasons. He wouldn’t say how much insurance cost, only that it was an exorbitant amount for a one day event.

Creechan has been trying to direct swimmers to Oakville where proceeds raised from the the Courage Brothers Polar Bear Dip go toward World Vision. The charity covers the cost of insurance.

“We have about a dozen people out in the water keeping an eye on people.”

“It’s all about keeping safe because there is a greater purpose to the whole thing and that’s trying to raise money to literally save thousands of lives.”

Anyone still planning to show up tomorrow in Hamilton, is running the risk of swimming on thin ice.