Fort Wayne brings within the New Year with 54th Annual Polar Bear Swim

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – Hundreds of courageous Hoosiers kicked off the New Year by taking an icy plunge into the Saint Joe River on Thursday.

The 54th Annual Polar Bear Club Swim introduced the group collectively as soon as once more, difficult members to bundle up, take a deep breath, and dive straight into freezing water to welcome the brand new yr.

A sea of winter coats, wool hats, and nervous laughs stuffed the shoreline, as members of the Saint Joe Athletics Club ready for certainly one of Fort Wayne’s coldest traditions.

Steve Hernandez has been coming to the polar plunge for so long as he can bear in mind. He says the icy plunge is greater than only a check of endurance; it’s a convention handed down by way of generations.

Hernandez says since then, he’s spent the final twenty years bringing within the new yr with a polar bear swim.

He says it’s actually grow to be a beloved group occasion, and he’s even drawn in some newcomers.

Larry Hughbanks is a first-time plunger who says if it weren’t for his good friend Steve, he wouldn’t have taken the additional leap.

He says it’s not simply concerning the swim however fairly coming collectively to have fun a recent begin to the brand new yr.

While the plunge could look spontaneous, security is taken critically.

The Fort Wayne Fire Department dive workforce was on website, preserving an in depth eye on swimmers as they went into and out of the water.

With educated divers, security gear, and emergency groups on standby.

Organizers say the occasion stays thrilling and safe.

As swimmers rushed to dry towels and heat drinks, smiles changed shivers, proof that the plunge was price it.

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