On Saturday, 13 July, swimmers can brave the cold at the polar bear swim event close to Sutherland.
This will be the third of four polar bear swim events for 2024, presented for the 29th year.
During this Goldco Spares Polar Bear Swim event, also called the “Ysbeertjie”, swimmers can expect water temperatures to range from an average of 3 °C to 8 °C. Depending on the wind, the air temperature can be even colder.
The event at Sutherland follows after one at Allemanskraaldam and one at Doringbos outside Bloemfontein. It is seen as the most challenging swim which commences at 12:00 at the Rogge Cloof Private Nature Reserve outside Sutherland.
Due to extreme conditions high in the mountains, even snow can be expected.
A fourth swim event is set to take place on 20 July at Victoria Bay, close to George in the Western Cape.
It was 29 years ago that Felix Burri presented the first polar bear swim event in the Northern Free State. The aim was, and still is, to raise funds for identified charities. At each event, the terrain access fee of R100 per vehicle is donated directly to a local identified charity.
At Allemanskraaldam, the fees go to the Rotary Club of Odendaalsrus; at Bloemfontein to the Therapéa Children’s Home; in Sutherland to the Johenco Home for the Aged; and the charity for the swim at Victoria Bay will be announced.
This year’s target is to raise R25 000.
Entering for the swim event costs R100 per person, who must be ten years or older on the day of the event. Each swimmer will receive a full colour medal, and refreshments will be available.
- For more information on the events and accommodation, visit the Polar Bear/Ysbeer Swem page on Facebook, or call Felix Burri on 082-851-4584 for general enquiries.
