The annual Clarington Polar Bear Swim, scheduled for New Year’s Day in Newcastle, has been postponed due to unsafe ice conditions along the waterfront.
Clarington firefighters determined that approximately 60 feet of floating ice extending from the shoreline made the area unsafe for both swimmers and emergency personnel. As a result, the event was called off to prevent potential injuries.
Event organizer Autism Home Base Durham (AHB) announced the swim has been tentatively rescheduled for Saturday, April 4, aligning with World Autism Day. AHB CEO Judy Hanson said she is confident water temperatures will still be cold enough during the Easter long weekend to maintain the spirit of the event.
AHB confirmed that no re-registration is required for participants who had already signed up and thanked the community for its support. More than $8,400 has already been raised to support autistic adults in Durham Region.
The Polar Bear Swim is held annually in memory of Hollylynn Towie, a young autistic woman whose life was tragically lost in a Whitby house fire in 2012. Proceeds support programs for autistic adults through the Hollylynn Towie Memorial Fund.
Those interested in participating in the rescheduled swim or making a donation can visit claringtonpolarbearswim.com.
Photo Credits : Insauga
