ASHLAND — Is there a better way to ring in the new decade than stripping down to your skivvies and jumping into a lake in the middle of the winter? I don’t think so – especially when joined by a vast crowd of my Ashland friends and neighbors.
What’s even better? It isn’t just for fun, it’s for a great cause.
Ashland’s annual Polar Bear Dip Cold for a Cure has been a tradition around these parts for the past 14 years, raising donations for the American Cancer Society as well as Fight Colorectal Cancer. This was my first year participating in it, so I didn’t exactly know what to expect.
I prepped myself on the way to Charles Mill Lake – driving with the air conditioning turned all the way up with the windows cracked, attempting to force my body to adapt to the brittle outdoor conditions.
A congregation of people bundled together on the sands in what seemed to be a sunny day despite the 38-degree temperatures. Music was blasting, a fire was roaring and hot chocolate was on the mind of every goose-bumped child eagerly awaiting to submerge themselves into the lake’s frigid waters.
Eventually, it was announced that the dip was going to begin.
I stood back in awe as I observed 10 to 12 daredevils line the sandy shore and face the chilling basin. Suddenly, a whistle screeched and everyone in line dashed out into the lake, screaming and giggling as their bodies were met with an intense shockwave of shivers.
Was I getting cold feet?
More people scurried up onto the shore and 30 seconds later, they too took their turn jumping into the loch.
Before long, it was my turn. I took a second and gave myself a mental pep talk as I gazed over Charles Mill Lake, watching the sunshine sparkle off the moving waters. Soon this tranquil picture would be skewed with flailing arms, rigorous splashing and hypothermia.
A whistle blew, and immediately I lunged forward into the water, the bitter conditions stealing my breath. Confidently, I took large strides, trying to reach the end of the swimming area as quickly as I could.
I was cold; however, I didn’t feel freezing cold. I think my body felt numb more than anything else.
In the matter of a few seconds, I reached the end of the swimming area and high-fived a few members of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, who were in the water overlooking the safety of the plunge.
One of them said to me, “Good job, Captain.” He was most likely referring to my sea captain’s hat that I wore with my trunks.
When I exited the water, I expected to be met with another wave of intense cold, yet the only parts of my body that were algid were my ears and feet. Minutes later, I was snuggled up in my car with heat blasting from the vents.
It truly was a memorable and once-in-a-lifetime experience. The 2019 Polar Bear Dip Cold for a Cure did not solely raise awareness for cancer, the donations gathered at the event toppled $3,970.
I encourage you to donate to the American Cancer Society as well as Fight Colorectal Cancer. And on the first day of 2021, make your way out to Charles Mill Lake for next year’s Polar Bear Dip Cold for a Cure.
