Be Sure to Read This Before Taking the Polar Bear Plunge

December has arrived and many people in the Spring, Texas, area are getting ready for a popular winter tradition: the polar bear plunge. Before you dive into that cold water, you may need to take some things into consideration. Champions Pool Repair & Service knows that winter traditions can make the season more fun, but safety is always important. Here, we’ve laid out what you need to know before taking your polar bear plunge:

What is a Polar Bear Plunge?

A polar bear plunge is the fun term used to describe people entering a pool or other body of water in the winter, despite the cold temperature. A polar bear plunge can be held as an event, such as one to raise money for charity, or simply as a fun winter tradition among families. There are no set rules to a polar bear plunge, and participants may wear wet suits, enter the water as far as they want, and stay in the water as long as they want.

How to Safely Take the Polar Bear Plunge

The good news is there are some steps you can take to safely continue this winter tradition. The first step is to gradually lower the temperature of your shower in the days leading up to the plunge. This primes your body to get used to colder water. Once it is time to take the plunge, slowly walk into the water to acclimate the body to the cold, as opposed to diving right into the pool. This prevents the body from experiencing a too sudden change in temperature, which minimizes health risks. Once you’ve completed the plunge, it’s important to ease out of the water just as you eased in. To warm your body back up, slowly step into a warm bath and soak for 10-15 minutes.

What to Keep in Mind

An important thing to keep in mind is that the polar bear plunge may not be healthy for some people. According to Dr. David Frid, a Cleveland Clinic cardiologist, the sudden drop in temperature may actually pose a risk for those with underlying health issues. If you suffer from a condition such as blood pressure problems, hypertension, or aneurysms, you may want to avoid the plunge altogether or consult a doctor beforehand. While this event may be fun, safety always comes first.

The polar bear plunge is a fun family tradition for many pool owners during the winter. However, it is important to know how to do it safely. Champions Pool Repair & Service is a leading name in pool repairs, remodels, and services in the Spring, Texas, area. To get your pool ready for your polar bear plunge, give us a call at (281) 355-8504.