Participants at Crofton's annual Polar Bear Swim showcased a variety of approaches to kick off the new year on Jan. 1. Some people dove right in without hesitation, some tried to ease their way in slowly, while some tightly held a friend's hand for the courage to submerge themselves. One thing everyone could agree on was that it was very, very cold.
"It was super cold!" Evelyn Vanderschaaf said through chattering teeth after her family's first polar bear swim.
"I did not expect it to be that cold," said her sister Eleanor Vanderschaaf with a note of betrayal in her voice. Seconds later she added, "But I would totally do it next year because it was so fun!"
After emerging from the icy water, participants gathered around fire pits and enjoyed hot dogs and hot chocolate, provided by the Crofton Firefighters Association. Those who registered before the swim also received a commemorative certificate.
Sheila Walsh proudly held her certificate with frozen fingers while she warmed up by the fire with her neighbours. This was her third consecutive year participating, a tradition she and her husband started when they moved to Crofton. Walsh said diving into the ocean on Jan. 1 is "refreshing," but her favourite aspect is the community.
"This is the best community, really," she said. "So I just want to participate in anything we have here."
Walsh said it's part of what makes Crofton a great place to live and why she calls relocating there "the best move ever".
"We love it," said Walsh. "We love it here."
Whether tiptoeing in or diving headfirst, Crofton residents rang in 2025 together with this bracing tradition, welcoming the new year with chattering teeth and big smiles.
