Frigid Polar FUNdraiser an annual Family Day event

Saugeen Shores Lifesaving Club (SSLC) held its annual Polar ‘dip’ on Monday, Family Day (Feb. 17) in Port Elgin,

Members collected donations and pledges and, in turn, leaped into the frigid waters of Lake Huron in Port Elgin Harbour.  The funds raised go to help the Club purchase equipment.

The first step in the event however, was to break the ice.  Saugeen Shores Fire Service who oversees the safety of the event, brought in a backhoe on Friday that broke the thick ice but, by Monday, the water had once again frozen over.  Firefighters in special survival suits broke the ice using an axe and shovels and cleared a path for the SSLC members.

Firefighter Rob Atkinson wields an axe trying to break the ice

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A large crowd gathered to watch as each member jumped into the freezing water and very quickly swam to a ladder to clamber up.

                        Dressed for the weather, Coach Michael Hundt encouraged shivering students 
                       The ‘cannonball’ technique

Aiden celebrated his birthday by leaping into a frozen Lake Huron as the crowd spontaneously broke in to “Happy Birthday”
                                                            Polar participants raced to wrap up

A final total raised has not yet been determined as pledges are still coming in.  Donations can be made at Centennial Pool desk or by contacting any SSLC member.