Dozens of brave Morgan Hill residents took the Polar Bear Plunge challenge at the Dennis Kennedy Aquatics Center Jan. 14.
Thirty-four participants started off the chilly event by wading or running into the center’s 50-degree recreational pool, where they each tried to grab a toy polar bear off miniature “icebergs” floating throughout the pool. Aquatics Center Coordinator Lisa Rick made the icebergs herself by freezing turkey pans full of water before the event.
Next, participants could choose to “complete the challenge” by conquering the Aquatics Center’s inflatable obstacle course in a separate, heated pool, Rick said. Then they could take their time warming up in the center’s instructional pool, which is heated to 85 degrees.
“We gave out hot chocolate and medals to all the participants,” Rick said.
It was the third annual Polar Bear Plunge sponsored by the City of Morgan Hill at its Aquatics Center, located at 16200 Condit Road.
Organizers planned the Polar Bear Plunge as a fun wintertime activity for local families, Rick said.
