Each year I swear it will be the last time I plunge into the icy Atlantic Ocean for NRCM’s annual Polar Bear Dip & Dash. I say, “NEVER AGAIN,” as I race in and out of the freezing cold water. I tell everyone how miserably cold I am. I even made a video of my screams as I ran into and out of the ocean on 2010.My friend Janine plunged last year and this year will plunge as one of my “bridesmaids.”
Despite my complaints, I’ve done it for the last four years because it’s for a good cause, which is to raise awareness about and funds for NRCM’s important work to reduce climate-changing pollution. But last year, I told myself that after four years, I’d done my part.
But then Hurricane Sandy happened. It seems as if people are finally understanding that these destructive storms are being caused by climate change. It’s hard to ignore hurricanes that are hitting unusual locations with more force than ever before. I have been watching news reports of the devastation in New Jersey and New York and know that the residents the Jersey Shore, Staten Island, Long Island, and other low-lying areas of New York City are the ones who are suffering—not me. I may be cold for 30 seconds, but they have been cold and in the dark for weeks.
My friend Janine plunged last year and this year will plunge as one of my “bridesmaids.”
So, once again I signed up for this year’s NRCM Polar Bear Dip & Dash. Not only did I sign up…my fiancé (who NEVER goes in the ocean) signed up. My friends have signed up and purchased bridesmaid dresses. My friend has agreed to be the ringbearer (or is that ring “polar bear”er?) and another will be our “caterer” (hopefully supplying warm drinks for all of us).My fiance, Chris, and me
They are all helping me to take the plunge on Monday, December 31st at noon before I “take the plunge” into marriage in May. We are thinking of it as a dress rehearsal before the real “big day.”
I thought having a dress rehearsal might help me avoid cold feet on the day of my wedding. But, since the dress rehearsal will be on a beach in the middle of winter, I am guessing that along with cold feet, I will have cold hands, cold arms, cold ears, cold legs, and cold…well, everything. I always thought I would like a beach wedding, but somehow, I had envisioned it on a white sand beach in the Caribbean, not a possibly snow-covered beach in Maine in 30-degree temperatures (if I am lucky it will be that warm!).
Consider this your formal invitation (no RSVP is necessary) to gather at East End Beach in Portland on Monday, December 31st at noon for my “wedding.” My gift registry is easy…donate to one or more brave polar bears taking the plunge—to help support NRCM’s important work to reduce global warming pollution. That’s the best gift any bride could ask for. Thank you.
—Beth Comeau, NRCM Communications Manager
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