Virtually shivering: Crowded Jan. 1 polar plunges put on ice
By Staff | Dec 31, 2020
FILE - In this Dec. 31, 2011, file photo, David Greenham, of Readfield, Maine, reacts after taking a plunge with about 100 others participating in the annual Polar Bear Plunge at the East End Beach in Portland, Maine. The tradition of taking an icy plunge into the ocean to ring in 2021 is going virtual during the coronavirus pandemic. (John Patriquin/Portland Press Herald via AP)
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) The coronavirus pandemic has poured cold water all over the tradition of gathering en masse to ring in the new year by taking an icy plunge, but organizers are going with the floe.
Virtually shivering: Crowded Jan. 1 polar plunges put on ice
by David Sharp, The Associated Press
Posted Dec 30, 2020 8:24 am EDT
Last Updated Dec 30, 2020 at 8:26 am EDT
PORTLAND, Maine The coronavirus pandemic has poured cold water all over the tradition of gathering en masse to ring in the new year by taking an icy plunge, but organizers are going with the floe.
Organizers of many traditional “polar plunges” have resolved to stay safe on New Year’s Day instead of hosting large events with hundreds of shivering participants that could spread the coronavirus. Instead, many events often with a charitable bent planned for Friday have been altered to incorporate virtual elements or social distancing.
David Sharp
FILE - In this Dec. 31, 2011, file photo, David Greenham, of Readfield, Maine, reacts after taking a plunge with about 100 others participating in the annual Polar Bear Plunge at the East End Beach in Portland, Maine. The tradition of taking an icy plunge into the ocean to ring in 2021 is going virtual during the coronavirus pandemic. (John Patriquin/Portland Press Herald via AP) December 30, 2020 - 5:24 AM
PORTLAND, Maine - The coronavirus pandemic has poured cold water all over the tradition of gathering en masse to ring in the new year by taking an icy plunge, but organizers are going with the floe.
By Press Association 2021
Hundreds of bathers take part in the Courage Polar Bear Dip for World Vision in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, on New Year’s Day in 2019
The tradition of taking an icy plunge into the ocean to ring in the new year is going to be different this time round, with plans for many events across the US and Canada changing amid the pandemic.
Organisers of many traditional “polar plunges” have resolved to stay safe on New Year’s Day instead of potentially contributing to the Covid-19 surge.
Instead, many events – often with a charitable bent – planned for Friday have been altered to incorporate virtual elements or social distancing.