Polar Bear Swim and Plunge on New Year's Day in Avalon

2017-01-11
City of Avalon

Nine swimmers braved the cold water the morning of New Years Day for the Polar Bear Swim. The event took place on New Year's Day and was hosted by the Catalina Swim Club and sponsored by the City of Avalon. Swimmers were greeted by water temperature of 58 degrees for their 1 - 1.5 mile swim and then treated to hot chocolate and other goodies after the swim.

The Catalina Swim Club and City of Avalon then hosted a Polar Bear Plunge for the community on Middle Beach later that morning. This event had about 20 swimmers brave the cold water and ranged in age from 4 years old to Val Schafer at a "spry" 80 years of age. Mayor Anni Marshall (not pictured) joined the swimmers as some simply "plunged" while half of the group swam out to the end of the Green Pier and back. Once again hot chocolate was served to help warm the insides as family, friends and spectators greeted the swimmers back with towels in hand.

Fun was had by all and will be the makings of an annual event so mark your calendars now for next year!

Special thank you to the Catalina Swim Club for hosting the event and Shane Machado for keeping us safe while following the group on a paddleboard.  For more information about the Swim Club, contact Coach Charlie Canby at (310)809-0661.