Thousands in Oakville take frigid plunge for annual Courage Polar Bear Dip

Thousands of people turned out to Coronation Park in Oakville Thursday, for the annual “Courage Polar Bear Dip.”

Considered to be the largest event of its kind in Canada, participants brave the cold temperature for a swim in the frigid water of Lake Ontario.

Not just for a thrill, but for a good cause.

It’s rather unusual for there to be large crowds at the beach in the dead of winter.

But here at Coronation Park in Oakville, it’s alive for an annual tradition.

“Right now we have about five to eight hundred people going into Lake Ontario, on a very cold day, to support World Vision with water projects around the world,” said Todd Courage, the co-founder of the Courage Polar Bear Dip.

In its 41 years, the campaign has raised nearly $2.5 million dollars for clean water initiatives.

This year, over $110,000 will go towards helping those in Ghana, and Honduras.

WATCH MORE: Oakville polar dip raises funds for clean water

Participants began turning up to register around noon, and at one o’clock, the iconic costume contest began, featuring wrestlers, pirates, and “Popeyes chicken dippers.”

This year’s winners were the stuffed bunnies.

“We’re doing it for a good cause — we’re a part of a world-wide beard club, called the bearded villains,” said Marcelo Marziali, with the Lakeshore Chapter of the Bearded Villains, “and Dan and I founded the original chapter, and we’re here supporting courage. But our main objective throughout every single year as a registered non-profit, is to help charities and our local community.”

Shortly after the contest, preparations began for the first wave of swimmers and at two o’clock, the countdown began.

The water was reportedly at around 3°C, and outside it felt closer to -11°C.

CHCH News reporter Roger Collins was able to join in the annual tradition.

“It’s a great way to start the year off,” said Marziali. “Start one, end another, and y’know, not be able to feel your feet for 40 minutes.”

Close to 550 people took the plunge.

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