In 2024, the Polar Bear Plunge attracted about 150 spectators. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

making a splash

Polar Bear Plunge returns to Lac La Ronge this Saturday

Mar 13, 2025 | 3:01 PM

Men of the North founder Christopher Merasty is preparing for the Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday.

The event, which began in 2023, involves a chunk of ice being cut out of Lac La Ronge with participants then jumping in to raise funds for a good cause. In total, 60 per cent of the funds will go towards Men of the North with the remainder going to NorthSask Special Needs.

In 2024, Children’s North was the second recipient.

“With our contribution coming to us, we are going to be able to implement more land-based practices, getting the guys out to do some fishing, doing some trapping and maybe look at doing some hunting come this fall,” Merasty explained.

There are currently 22 people pre-registered for a total of $9,500 already raised. People can register as an individual or a team of four and those still interested can register up until the start of the event.

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The Polar Bear Plunge is held at the beach in Patterson Park. There will be a registration table set up starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday right up until the plungers begin jumping at 2 p.m.

Merasty noted there are multiple reasons people participate besides just raising funds.

“The adrenaline rush you get plunging into a cold body of water and then as well as the excitement of the crowd when they are hooting and hollering and the music,” he said.

“I think it all plays a deep, significant role into individual’s mental health, helping them, as well as the community connection.”

There will prizes awarded at the event for the biggest splash, the funniest slogan, the most funds raised, as well as the furthest travelled.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com