Chill antics, warm hearts at the surf rescue club

Trepidation, even fear, marked the faces of some on the beach outside the 95th St Clair Surf Life Saving Club Polar Plunge in Dunedin yesterday morning.

But when the time came, those brave enough to take the plunge charged into the rolling waves of St. Clair with aplomb.

University of Otago students Georgia Brown and Olivia Andrew – two of about 200 swimmers taking part – said they did winter dives at the beach every week.

The cold water dip was very good for mental health, the women said.

Yesterday the pair recycled their costumes from the Hyde St party in the student district in April and went to the beach dressed as cows.

Miss Brown’s assessment of the circumstances was difficult to believe.

“It’s quite fun,” says the marine science and zoology student.

There were others who were dressed up, some swimmers showed up in wetsuits and many just wore togs.

Some were floating in the waves for a while, others were just in and out.

St Clair Surf Life Saving Club committee member Mark Christmas-Oliver confirmed the water was indeed cold.

But, he said, it was also “surprisingly warm” in a wetsuit compared to other days at the beach.

“Despite it being cold, it’s not raining so quite a few people are convinced to come down,” Mr Christmas-Oliver said.

“It’s really nice. We feel like we’re a big part of the community here.

“Surf Lifesaving in Otago is a very, very big community.

“We really appreciate the support.”

Hundreds of spectators lined the Esplanade around 11:30 am to admire the show.

And while the Polar Plunge was intended to raise awareness of the St Clair Surf Life Saving Club, it was also a fundraiser for the club.

“I have my daughters running around with buckets, the sausage sizzle is on the way,” Mr Christmas-Oliver said.

Although surf rescue received some government support, the volunteer-based organization would spend yesterday’s proceeds on running the club, he said.

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