SOUTHWEST HARBOR, Maine- Coast Guard Sector Field Office Southwest Harbor holds its annual Polar Bear Swim at 3 p.m., Wednesday.
The event encourages safe boating practices among participants by showing the shock that cold water can trigger upon sudden immersion, particularly when proper survival gear is not worn.
The event will be held at the public access boat ramp across from the Coast Guard Galley on Clark Point Road in Southwest Harbor.
“Although this event is primarily for fun, it also provides all Coast Guard participants with a true sense of empathy for someone who might be stranded in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic and be in need of rescue,” said Petty Officer 1st Class John Eudy. “Plunging in the icy waters can create or recreate a sense of urgency to reach those in need of rescue.”
