Polar Bear Swim - 2004 Polar Bear

The First Annual Portsmouth Rotary Club Polar Bear Swim was a great success!!

Thanks to all swimmers, sponsors, volunteers and spectators. Special thanks to the New Castle Volunteer Fire Department and The Seacoast Red Cross.

The event was held on January 10th, 2004 at New Castle Common near Portsmouth. It was a sunny but cold day with the air temp hovering at 9 degrees F and the water a balmy 41 degrees F.

With the Rotary flag snapping in the breeze and shouts from the crowd, 22 brave souls went splashing into the cold, clear water of the Piscataqua River, all managing a safe return to land. Hats off to 84 year old Rotarian Frank Butterworth of Kittery Point for taking the plunge. He shamed a lot of younger folks into considering the dip next year. The cry went out to jump in again, so 9 hardy swimmers went dashing back into the water for extra brownie points!!

After the swim, all retired to a heated tent for home baked treats, chili, coffee and hot chocolate. Each swimmer had a different tale to tell his attentive friends and supporters and all the dippers were awarded gift certificates from local restaurants and shops. The gift certificate to the local hot tub spa was one of the most highly prized awards.

The swim raised over $14,000 for charity!