Polar Bear Swim raises $26,000 for free swim lessons fund

MANSON - This year’s annual Polar Bear Swim, held at Manson Bay was canceled by the Manson Chamber of Commerce early last year because of Covid-19. This annual event, normally held the second weekend of Winterfest is one of only two fundraising events for the Lake Chelan Swim (LCS), a local non-profit organization that provides free swimming lessons and water safety for anyone in the Lake Chelan Valley. Judy Phelps, Board President for LCS and owner Hard Row to Hoe Winery has served as president from their very beginning in 2010. “We live in such a special place with an amazing, crystal clear lake, it only makes sense to keep locals and visitors safe by providing water safety training and swimming lessons,” Judy said.

So how did we go from no event to holding this very successful happening that has raised over $26,000. It all started when Mark Elliot, General Manager at Petersen’s Waterfront called Second Cup of Coffee on the radio shortly after Christmas. Mark asked on-air host, Jeff Conwell, “If we, Lake Chelan Swim, can raise $1,000 in pledges would you be willing to take a Polar Bear Plunge?” In only three days $1,000 was pledged. Then Viki Downey, Manson Parks Lifeguard took over and the challenge was on. The following individuals accepted the challenge and took the plunge into the cold waters of Lake Chelan on January 17.
Ben Riippi, Principal Manson Elementary
Efren Alejo, Manson Volunteer Firefighters
Jeff Conwell, radio station
Judy Phelps, Co-founder Lake Chelan Swim
Ken Johannessen, radio station
Laura Halter, fund raiser
Michael Tucker, PE Teacher Chelan High School
Nigel Hunter, Chelan County Deputy
Ryan Moody, Chelan County Deputy

Even though this was an unofficial Polar Bear Swim there are many people to thank. Todd Link, owner WineGirl Wines was the MC for the event. The Green Dot Sub Shop provided hot chocolate and coffee for the swimmers. The Manson Chamber of Commerce provided the public address system for the event. The radio for help to promote this effort. And of course, the Challenge Team and all the wonderful folks that donated.

If you would like to learn more about Lake Chelan Swim or make a donation you can locate them online at http://www.lakechelanswim.com/ Viki Downey swims almost every day in Manson Bay and she encourages you to join her.

We live in an amazing community and this ad-hoc event is a classic example. Mark Elliot, we thank you for getting this event off the ground.