What do you get when you combine the freezing temperatures of winter in      June and a swimming pool? The Potchefstroom Boys High’s Polar Bear Swim, of course!

The annual event took place at the school’s swimming pool on Wednesday, 22 June when Gr. 8 learners were compelled to swim at least four laps in the icy water. The other grades also participated in enhancing the school spirit, although it was not compulsory for them.  The Gr.10 team was the overall winner as it completed the most laps on the day in the pool where the water temperature dropped to an insane 11 degrees.

It was all worth it when the learners received hot chocolate for their effort and bravery, though.

The biggest cheer of the day went to an old boy, Basil Kletz, who matriculated in 1965 and took part in this shivering tradition. It was also his fifth consecutive year in the polar bear swim and he was duly awarded a Golden Polar Bear Club certificate and badge to mark the occasion.

Kletz, who lives in Johannesburg and is a dentist by profession, challenged other old boys to participate in the 2017 Polar Bear next year.   This avid sportsman definitely showed that he is still as much one for fun as any of the current learners and that age is definitely just a number!

See the photos here: