03/29/2024
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It was an ideal day for swim in White Lake — well, at least as ideal as it could be for Jan. 1. The outside temperature at 11 a.m. Sunday at Camp Clearwater was 47 degrees. The water temperature was 44.

Click here for more photos from the 5th annual Camp Clearwater Polar Plunge.

There were 36 brave swimmers willing to run into White Lake to start the new year as part of the 5th annual Camp Clearwater Polar Plunge. About 200 watched from the shore or on the pier, taking pictures and video.

The event began in 2013 when former Army soldier Ray Goodin challenged ex-Marine Al Pingree to jump into White Lake on New Year’s Day. There were about 20 participants that first year, more than 40 in 2014, about 30 in 2015 and about 40 in 2016.

Prior to the plunge, Pingree reads the official proclamination:

“Hear ye. Hear ye. Hear ye.
To all who shall see these present, greetings.
Know ye that reposing, special confidence and admiration.
In the bold initiative and intrepid courage — albeit, poor judgment and gross stupidity — of these most humble few,
We are here today to glorify your effort in the 3rd annual Camp Clearwater Polar Plunge.
We hereby dedicate our bodies in this most tenuous effort in the hopes that this new year will bring fun and enjoyment here at Camp Clearwater for all.”

Then, swimmers line up along the water’s edge, shout “We Love the Lake!” and, when Pingree blows his whistle, the plunge begins.

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