Erieau polar dip grows as dozens take New Year’s Day plunge into Lake Erie

Erieau polar dip grows as dozens take New Years Day

ERIEAU – What started off as a fun bet in a bar on New Year’s Eve here about a dozen years ago to jump into Lake Erie to ring in the New Year has become a tradition.

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Specifying it was more of an agreement, organizer Jim Vidler recalls, “We just said, ‘Hey, let’s do a polar dip.’”

Only 10 “dippers” came out that first year, he said, “We’ve got a lot of dippers now” as dozens of people braved a cold wind to plunge into Lake Erie on New Year’s Day.

When asked why the event has grown, Vidler laughed: “I don’t know, we’re all crazy, I guess.”

But, he added, “It gets everybody started on the right foot on the first day of the year.”

Dozens of people race to jump into the chilly water of Lake Erie during the Erieau polar dip on Wednesday to ring in 2025. (Ellwood Shreve/Chatham Daily News) jpg, CD, apsmc

There was no going for a leisurely swim in Lake Erie. Participants ran down the beach to jump in as waves crashed into the shore and most got out of the water as quickly as they entered it.

Vidler is glad to see so many participate, because the polar dip also collects food and cash donations for the soup kitchen and food bank run by the Word of Life Church in Blenheim.

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Drake MacKenzie, of Dresden, decided to take the plunge this year, joining his mom, Sarah Galos, who participated in last year’s event for the first time.

“I’m excited; it’s my first time,” said the 13-year-old. “I want to give it a try.”

When asked how much his mom had to convince him to do it, Drake joked, “There was a little bit of discussion.”

Galos said it was “definitely a lot cooler” for Wednesday’s dip than last year.

She added it was worth it.

“I think we’re going to be some true Canadians and help support a good cause,” Galos said.

Lake Erie, polar dip, New Year's Day
Dozens of people participate in the Erieau polar dip on Wednesday entering the frigid water of Lake Erie to ring in 2025. (Ellwood Shreve/Chatham Daily News) jpg, CD, apsmc

Blenheim residents John Lynch and Lori Sheppard both took the plunge for the second time on Wednesday.

“The first time was exhilarating and lively,” Lynch said. “It wakes you up and you start the year off on a good note.”

Sheppard said she has done immersions where you stay in the cold lake water for a few minutes.

“But, this is a real shock to the system when you jump in and come out again,” she said.

The couple also said they like to take part in supporting the local food bank and soup kitchen.

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