By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Over 50 people of all ages braved the icy waters of Osoyoos Lake on New Year’s Day, splashing their way into 2023 with frosty abandon.
This year marked the first time the Desert Dip – the local version of a polar bear swim – was officially organized and each person taking the icy plunge was awarded a certificate.
For the first time in four years, a hole had to be cut in the ice to create a small ‘pool’ to splash into. Nathan Ondrus took care of that with a concrete saw.
“It was only four or four and half inches thick so it was better than a chainsaw,” he said. When asked if he ever partakes in the New Year dip he laughed, shook his head and said: “No I don’t do that!”
Kicking off 2023 with a flying leap. Ron Hiller photo
Ken Baker, president of the Osoyoos Festival Society which organized the dip, figures the ice actually added to the event. “Normally it’s over in 15 seconds,” he said, because that’s how long it takes for everybody to run into and back out of the water. Because of the hole cut in the ice only two or three people could go into the water at a time.
A planned bonfire had to be cancelled as the Osoyoos Fire Rescue denied the application. Baker said no reason was given for the denial, but he acknowledged the application could have been made earlier.
“I was late in my application, I didn’t realize until the last minute that we had to get additional insurance for the bonfire and I got it at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve but the Fire Chief didn’t approve it,” Baker said.
The lack of bonfire didn’t dampen the spirit of the event however, as invigorated participants were thrilled with the icy dip and over 80 spectators were on hand to “ooh and ahh” at each frigid splash.
Making a splash on New Year’s Day. Don Urquhart photo
The first person in was Alison Armstrong who can be seen uttering what became a common refrain: “It’s cold!” Don Urquhart photo
Alison Armstrong was first into the water and set the tone for those that followed her with the uttering of two simple words: “It’s cold!” Armstrong is one of the polar bear swim diehards having done this for a number of years. “I normally just do it myself by the bridge,” she laughs.
Demonstrating age is no barrier to the cold water plunge, Suzanne Wish who self-declared herself as the oldest person participating at what she coyly describes as 80+ years old. When asked if this was her first dip, she laughed and said she’s been doing this for years. “As many times as possible!”
She says this wasn’t one of the coldest she’s done – 2017 was colder – but this is the first time the ice has needed cutting.
As for the experience, “it was wonderful!” Except the second time was colder,” she says in reference to her “double dipping”. She adds: “Going back in again wasn’t a good idea!”
Jordan displays his certificate and also his apparent indifference to the cold temperature. Don Urquhart photo
Overall Baker was thrilled with how the event turned out. “I’m really happy, it was fantastic,” he enthused.
He was a bit worried though because at 11:45, only 15 minutes before the event was due to begin, there were less than half a dozen people milling around Gyro Beach. Apparently many of the spectators and “Desert Dippers” were literally warming up for the event in their cars.
Baker added that with the plummeting temperatures prior to Christmas the event was looking very “iffy” but the day turned out to be quite suitable with a -2 C temperature and no wind.
Aerial view of the 2023 Desert Dip at Gyro Beach. Ron Hiller photo
More photos of the Desert Dip 2023
