By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

As the clock struck 10 a.m. on Jan. 1, retired Bishop’s Professor Stephen Sheeran led a growing crowd of intrepid souls into the icy embrace of Lake Massawippi. This annual ritual, a polar plunge started nearly two decades ago by current Bishop’s Professor Carleton Monk, has transformed from a frosty personal challenge into a cherished community event, drawing residents and holiday visitors alike into the chilly waters to mark the new year with a shared, shivering thrill.

“He’s the original ice man,” said Monk referring to Sheeran, “everybody else runs in and runs out.” Sheeran goes in and comes out slowly as if taking a bath, Monk added with a chuckle.

The two have been taking the 10 a.m., Jan. 1, polar plunge at North Hatley’s public beach for around 20 years. In the year 2000, there was hardly any snow and the temperature was mild, Monk remembers. He decided, to ring in the new year, “to go for a little swim”. Three or four years later, Sheeran learned of Monk’s newly-forged tradition and chose to join him. For many years thereafter, it was often just the two of them, though sometimes their children would participate. Around 10 years ago, the tradition began to snowball until dozens started showing up.

One year, Monk recounted, it was at least 20 degrees below zero. It was so cold he could not dry himself because the water turned to ice on his skin. “My suit froze, everything froze.”

Sometimes they have had to put a hole in the ice a few days before, sometimes they need to walk out on the ice to open water, and other times, like Monday, they can just wade right in. Monk speculates the water temperature is around five degrees, similar to the Pacific Ocean near Victoria, B.C., where he also often swims. Some say the Massawippi is only two or three degrees, but he does not believe it.

“The water really takes the heat out of you,” Monk admitted, “you have to be careful.” Going in and getting out quickly is your best bet. Monk is used to cold water, but even he had to be warmed up once in an ambulance at a polar swim event he ran out west. “You have to warm up after.”

“We’ve had a lot of ups and downs over the years,” said Sheeran, “it goes according to the season.” In 2023 there were around 40 people involved, he noted.

On Jan. 1, 2024, at 10 a.m., dozens of all ages had already gathered on North Hatley’s public beach to take the frosty yearly dip or cheer their friends and family on. Sheeran led the way, striding calmly into the frigid waters, even swimming out a bit and treading water while waves of others joined him. Some, like Monk, chose to jump in off a nearby pier. The saunas on shore were open, free of charge, for people to recover from the ordeal.