When most people want to stay inside and curl up in a warm blanket, Jamie Laird is out getting ready to jump in the already frozen Lac La Biche Lake.
For the tenth year in a row, Laird has organized a Polar Dip. This year's dip will be taking place on Nov. 23 at noon and he says anyone is welcome.
"We've thrown it open,” he said. "We typically have about a half-dozen people come out. We welcome people that have never done it and want to do it.”
While jumping in a freezing cold lake may seem crazy, Laird says he has done it every year and that it has become a tradition.
"I do the dip every year,” he said. "I ask myself why every year. I'm not sure what it is. It's just a fun gathering of friends and an excuse to get out and do something different. A lot of people think it is worse than it actually is. Because we've been doing it now for so many years, it would feel not right to do it again.”
For those that want to walk on the wild side, and take the polar dip, Laird says to be at the event site for around noon.
"We usually try to start around noon, just to get psyched up a bit,” he said. "Then we typically jump at the peak of day, when the sun is at its highest and by then, we have a good enough crowd to cheer us on. We aim to get in around 1 p.m. We hope and pray that it is a sunny day with no wind and at least that way.”
There is a short list of things to bring with you, if you decide to take the plunge, and don't worry; there is a sauna on site to keep you warm in your swim gear.
"I would recommend sandals or water shoes, a housecoat, just for the run from the hole to the sauna,” he said. "Definitely your warm winter gear for before and after – you want to make sure keep your core temperature warm before and after – it gives you a little bit of a buffer.”
Laird asks that jumpers and dippers also wear a Santa hat, to stay with the season and of course, to make good photos.
"We have made the Santa hat a tradition,” said Laird. "We have a whole bunch, but we do recommend that people bring their own, but we do have extras.”
For jumpers and spectators, there is going to be a fire on the ice with hot chocolate and hot dogs if they get hungry. Laird says that even spectators should bring their swimming gear, just in case they have a last minute change of heart and want to get into the water.
"Those that show up that don't intend on jumping, usually regret not jumping,” he said. "It's lots of fun. Bring your trunks just in case.”
This year's jump will take place at Pleasant Acres Drive in Lac La Biche. Take the second turn into Pleasant acres, and head straight down to the lake. Laird says to be there by noon and to be prepared for cold weather.
