Cheerful splash during new year's Dive (because swimming was not allowed)

Ostend 4.750 polar bears are Saturday afternoon in the cold North sea diving during the Dive. By the strong north westerly wind were additional security measures taken. Swimming was not allowed, plunge. The participants were not awake of, that were just full surrender to the cold water in. In many cases just as fast back out.

polar Bears in the North sea, it remains a tradition in many coastal communities. Saturday there was both a dive site in Oostende and Bredene, as in The Cock. Everywhere were the security forces ready. There was a strong wind with high waves as a result. The polar bears were only up to their waists in the water. Divers tied a ribbon to indicate where the people in the water were. While the rescuers, divers and the Red Cross is at the ready stood, first was still the warm-up, an important part of the preparation for the Dive.

Atmosphere there was. In the hours before the zwemuitje burst a gigantic error party los on the beach of Ostend. A large part of the participants of the dost are traditionally out in crazy costumes. After the start, ran the mass in the direction of the water and after a few seconds came the first, yet again, numb. “The water is cold and wet”, laughing Peter and Lindsay from Aarschot. “It was our first time and next year we come surely back. We stayed for only a short time in the water, but especially the global warming was also the most enjoyable part.” Also Nadine and Viviane did not remain long slog. “We even go in the water and go there and then hear”, tell the ladies from the province of Limburg. “We do it mainly for the adrenaline and the fun.” Geert Van Mierloo was decked out as the English garde. “We come every year to dive from Vossem with a group of 30 people. I have this outfit, chosen to keep order,” laughs Geert.