Are you a man (or or woman) or a mouse? Show your guts by taking part in Saturday, 5 July’s, Polar Bear Swim (Ysbeerswem) at Doringbos outside of Bloemfontein.
This follows the first Ysbeertjie that took place at Aldam at the Willem Pretorious Game Reserve near Ventersburg on Saturday, 28 June.
The more than 100 brave swimmers took to the chilly waters of the dam at 12:00, with a day temperature of 9°C and a water temperature of 5°C. A chilly wind cut the air.
This year marks the 30th year of Polar Bear swim, which has been held every year (except during Covid-19).
The multiple sclerosis (MS) group from Sasolburg joined in the fun at the Goldfields event. MS sufferer Rozaan Steyn lead a team of seven swimmers to raise awareness of MS and the survivors of MS. The were cheered on by family and friends on the banks of the dam.
A group of swimmers from Kroonstad dedicated their icy plunge to friends with cancer.
The oldest swimmer of the day was 71 years old.
A relaxed atmosphere marked the day and braai and camp fires burned well into the night.
Search and Rescue SA (Sarza) was the principal beneficiary of funds raised from gate takings, profits from food sales, donations and auction.Swimmers from Gauteng (Alberton), the Northern Cape (Kathu) and the Eastern Free State (Betlehem and Clarens) took to the icy waters to join locals from Odendaalsrus, Welkom, Virginia, Winburg, Kroonstad, Hennenman and Ventersburg.
Felix Burri, founder and organiser of the event, says a special pool is being built at Doringbos for the swim this weekend.
“The water will be safe. We hope that lots of brave swimmers will come and enjoy a day of fun at Doringbos.”
Contact Burri on 082 851 4584 for more information.
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