The Saint Joe Athletics Club kicked off the new year with its popular annual Polar Bear Club Swim on Wednesday afternoon, a brave tradition that sees locals taking a chilly dip to ring in the year.
First-Time Plunger Excited and Nervous
Among the participants was Wende Broussard, a Fort Wayne resident of over 20 years, who was diving into the cold waters for the first time. “Maybe an hour before my friend said, ‘Oh, it’s today!’ So the three of us are going and then we have a small group with us,” Broussard shared excitedly before her plunge.
Although nervous, she was reassured by the sight of other seasoned plungers. “I’m a little nervous,” Broussard admitted, “But seeing the guys here makes me feel more comfortable about doing it.”
Ensuring Safety at the Event
Safety was a top priority, with the Fort Wayne Fire Department’s dive team on hand to monitor the plunge. Scott Merkle, leader of the dive team, reflected on his 15 years of overseeing the event, saying, “I enjoy watching them, I have no desire to jump into the water without a suit on.”
The team arrived early to ensure the river conditions were safe for the plunge, noting that the water temperature was a frigid 39.9° Fahrenheit.
A Tradition of Community and Courage
Merkle expressed his enjoyment in seeing familiar faces return year after year. “There are people you will recognize over time; they are kind of the ones that rally. I know there are people who have done this for a long time, so it’s kind of neat being a part of that,” he said, highlighting the community spirit around the event.
For those eager to take part in another plunge, there will be another Polar Plunge on February 8th, benefiting Special Olympics Indiana’s annual fundraiser.
