The Polar Bear (Ysbeer) 2026 cold-water swimming season has opened, with six events scheduled across the Free State and Western Cape between 27 June and 25 July.

The season begins at Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve near Ventersburg on 27 June, followed by the Doringbos event in Bloemfontein on 4 July as part of the Agri Drags gathering. Rogge Cloof in Sutherland hosts its main event on 11 July, with swims available year-round by arrangement. Victoria Bay and Santos in Mossel Bay follow on 18 and 19 July respectively. The season concludes with an inaugural swim at Groot Brak on 25 July.

All day swims take place at 12:00, with optional night swims at 20:00. Day swim entry costs R100 per person, while night swims are R300 per person. Gate entry where applicable is R100 per vehicle.

Main sponsors are Goldco Spares, Logan Lubricants and SOL (Specialised Oil & Lube), with associated brands Exedy, Donaldson and TRW. Venue sponsors include Destea FS, Doringbos Venues Bloemfontein, Rogge Cloof Sutherland and Mossel Bay Municipality. Additional contributors include Bloem Wheel Alignment, OFS Fire, Talisman Hire Sutherland and Anton.

Funds raised will support SARZA (Search and Rescue SA) and Johenco, Sutherland’s old-age home.

For accommodation at Willem Pretorius, contact Anton on 078 728 2027. For Doringbos, contact Hetmari on 082 376 8902. General enquiries can be directed to Felix on 082 851 4584. Updates are available on Facebook at Polar Bear/Ysbeeswem or via the WhatsApp group.