Some people like to do a Polar Bear Swim on New Year’s Day – that is, run into a frigid body of water, swim for a few moments, and retreat to the warmth and safety of the shore.
But others, like free diver Magali Côté, celebrated Jan. 1, 2017 with a version of the Polar Bear Swim on steroids.
Côté plunged into freezing ice-covered water at Echo Lake, northwest of Campbell River, and remained there for minutes in a breathtaking stunt captured on video by local photographer Eiko Jones.
A group had to use a chainsaw to cut a hole in the five-inch thick ice before Côté and others could jump in.
“Freediving is only you and the water. There’s no tank, no air, no noise,” she said. “It’s just the most natural way to dive.”
The certified commercial diver said she’s been diving for years, but only got into free diving three years ago.
While most of her training took place in warmer waters, Côté said she was well prepared for the chilly swim after growing up around icy lakes in Quebec.
“I always liked being under the ice because it’s so quiet and peaceful. It is a little bit darker than usual and there’s something mystic to it,” she said. “It’s a big challenge to do it without a wetsuit and there’s a lot of health benefits to do it.”
According to Côté, tolerance to near-freezing water temperatures can be built up over time, and a dip in a frigid lake can help boost divers’ immune systems.
But it’s not without risks, and certainly not an activity that anyone else should just jump right into.
“You’re fighting against the cold and your muscles are taking energy as well, so there’s a lot of things that can burn oxygen faster,” she said. “I would highly recommend doing it, but definitely under supervision of other people.”
Jones, who also took the plunge at Echo Lake to film Côté, said he had never done anything like it.
“It was one degree in the water but it was a beautiful day in the sunshine above the ice,” he said. “It was surprisingly dark. Looking up through the ice at the hole was a very neat experience.”
A video posted showing Côté preparing to dive, then taking the plunge for around two minutes has received thousands of views on the website Vimeo.
Asked if she would ever challenge the women’s world record for longest swim under ice, held by Finland’s Johanna Nordblad at an impressive depth of 50 metres, Côté says she’s uncertain.
“I guess I would take the challenge,” she said. “For now I’m doing it for fun and pleasure and for all the benefits of diving in cold water.”
New Years Day Ice Dive- with Freediver Magali Côté from Eiko Jones on Vimeo.
