Chills Abound At 52nd Annual Lake Havasu Polar Bear Day

By Elijah Aston

On Saturday, Lake Havasu City’s annual Polar Bear Day was hosted at London Bridge Beach.

Elijah Aston/RiverScene

At the event, community members and visitors braved the cold water and participated in a polar plunge into the lake to celebrate going into the new year.

“The Polar Plunge is awesome because it brings the community together. And everyone looks forward to it because they know we can do this as the first thing of the year”said Julie Gilbert, experienced Polar Bear Day attendee.

Gilbert, among many others, walked into the lake and earned her Polar Bear Day badge to add to her extensive collection.

Elijah Aston/RiverScene

“It’s a very stimulating activity and I enjoy it. It feels good and it is good for the system. You come back out and feel better” Paul Nave, who has attended many Polar Bear Day plunges, said.

With the air temperature being a crisp 57 degrees Fahrenheit and the water temperature being 55 degrees Fahrenheit, it was a chilly day, but that didn’t deter the participants.

Elijah Aston/RiverScene

“I think this is is my 20th time hosting Polar Bear day. I do this because my dad and his buddies all started this event 50 years ago, and I get to keep the tradition going in the community,” said Bethany Hardin, event organizer, when asked about Polar Bear Day.

Here are some photos from the event.