“It’s not for the faint of heart,” said Mike Bolduc, of Dover.

Butch Ricci, of Greenland, realizes his swimming practices deviate from the norm. He openly admitted that his actions on Saturday were “crazy.” 

A further display of zany behavior was the fashion in which two swimmers chose to make their entrance—on the back of a jeep driven by a man in a gorilla suit. 

While the swimmers’ sanity may be in question, their moral reasoning was sound. The Polar Bear Swim is more than just something to do on a cold Saturday in January. A little over five years ago, Peter Billipp, founder and organizer of the swim, suggested the idea as a way to raise money for local charities. His plan has proven to be a resounding success. The event has collected donations totaling more than $10,000 per year for local organizations, including Seacoast American Red Cross, YMCA, Betty’s Dream, Cross Roads House, student scholarships and many other nonprofits.

It should also be noted that Billipp is an avid participant of the Polar Bear Swim. He has plunged into frigid waters for years, and even convinced his son, Tyler, to join in the fun. Father and son both agree on the best strategy: “Try not to think about it.” But, Tyler said, the event is undeniably a good time for all involved. 

After getting out of the water, Strafford resident Don Ash couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. “It was very refreshing,” he said. The remark calls Ash’s sanity into question, but to live through a New England winter, we all have to be a little crazy.