Polar Plunge
Saturday 7th June saw an impressive 100+ adults and children turn out for the Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services Polar Plunge, many of whom were dressed to impress the judges looking for the most creative and outrageous costumes of the day.
The Polar Plunge has been part of the Club’s history since its establishment in 1935.
Club lifeguards set up a safe, monitored area to ensure everyone’s safety between the flags. Advanced lifeguard Christiaan Maarhuis took responsibility for event safety and senior lifeguard and highly experienced nurse, Fiona Lafferty was on standby for any first aid needs – fortunately not required.
Watched by young and old, members of the Waihī Beach community and the Club enjoyed the spectacle which saw entrants brave an outside temperature of a ‘mild’ 16°C while the sea temp was a chilly 14°C.
Participants, including a bride and groom, clowns, fairies, ninja turtles and more raced into the freezing water, around two buoys and out again, with some taking their time to enjoy the experience and others getting out as quickly as possible!
Everyone was welcomed up to The Deck at the Club afterwards for hot chocolates, mulled wine and prizegiving.
Article and photos supplied.
Around 35-40 hardy souls turned out at Ōmokoroa Domain on Sunday 20th June to brave the cold water and celebrate the winter solstice with a swim.
With high tide at 3.30pm, organiser Russell Oliver planned the 3pm event for his group of regular harbour swimmers and thought he’d issue an open invitation to others to join them.
“I have been surprised at the number of regular winter swimmers I have come across in recent months,’ says Russell. “I'm in regular text contact with a few, and we are seeing if we can swim regularly through the winter.”
The article in the June edition of the Lizard News prompted more interest from polar plungers as well as a good number of well-wrapped up spectators.
He points out that winter swimmers are not masochists. “They swim because they enjoy what is frequently a truly lovely experience in the water and the sense of well-being that follows!”
It was clear to see those who were a little more practised at the discipline. While some were quickly in and out of the water, quite a few enjoyed a more leisurely quarter-hour swim.
Lizard News was excited to get behind the event, offering a free hot drink from either Alma or Skippers to help warm up afterwards.
Russell sends out a daily text to a few who are interested. This includes high tide times, wind information and the time he’s likely to swim and the location. “The text is just a casual, no-obligation, no-reply arrangement that gives folk the chance to swim with others if that is what they would like.”
If you would like to join Russell’s group, please send him a text on 021 153 0767.