The first annual Maple Ridge Cold Plunge Polar Bear Swim will be taking place at Hayward Lake.
Maple Ridge Cold Plunge is a group of hardcore enthusiasts who started getting together at the beginning of 2025 and jumping into the cold waters of the Alouette River at Davidson’s Pool.
The group was started by local real estate agent Jake Johnston.
Their first plunge was on Jan. 4, and about six people showed up. The second week about 23 people showed up.
Online, the group started out with 41 members, and it grew quickly to 267 members by mid-January, now they have more than 1,000 members in their Facebook group.
They meet every Saturday at the river for a 10 a.m. plunge.
This New Year’s Day the group will be starting a new tradition, and everyone is invited.
“This New Year’s Day event marks our very first official Polar Bear Swim, welcoming both seasoned plungers and first-timers to start the year with courage, laughter, and community spirit,” said Donna Bateman, on behalf of Maple Ridge Cold Plunge.
“We invite the community to join us at Hayward Lake on January 1st to cheer, participate, or simply experience the positive energy that has made this group so special,” she said.
Anyone interested in plunging into the lake is asked to meet there for 9:30 a.m. for the 10 a.m. plunge.
The group will have a red tent set up.
Hot chocolate and coffee will be available along with a warm fire.
There will be plenty of parking and change rooms on site.
Everyone who plunges will be entered to win a $500 prepaid Visa card and the winner will be announced on Saturday, Jan. 10, at Davidson’s Pool south where the group will be meeting to plunge into the Alouette River.
Donations will be collected for Cythera Transition House Society, which provides shelter, support, counselling, and programs for women and children fleeing and impacted by gender-based violence.
Last year the group donated more than $1,500 to the society.
Hayward Lake is located off Dewdney Trunk Road at Burma Street, on the west side of The Powerhouse at Stave Falls Visitor Centre.