“It’s good for your nervous system regulation, your mental health…”
About $2,500 was raised to help fund local addiction services as dozens took to the frigid waters of Lake Huron for a New Years Day Polar Bear Dip, Monday.
The second annual event hosted by Southwest Counselling invites residents to take the plunge on Jan. 1, all for a good cause, said Taryn Barnes.
“Last year, we had about ten people — and this year we saw around 70 to 80,” she said of the crowd gathered at Mike Weir Park in Bright’s Grove. “We were surprised to see that many people. And with sponsorships, we were able to raise about $2,500 towards addiction services at Bluewater Health.”
The Polar Bear Dip — splashing into frigid waters to ring in the new year — isn’t anything new, but cold plunge therapy is becoming more popular as people start to see the health benefits, Barnes explained.
“It’s good for your nervous system regulation, your mental health…” she said.
“The big thing for us is, we want to start offering the community these kinds of tools they can use for their own mental health and wellness.”
