Real Polar Plunge: Antarctica Ice Swim
Published : Monday, 22 Jun 2009, 3:38 PM PDT
(MYFOX NATIONAL) - Icy temperatures and gusty winds didn't stop a couple of people in Antarctica from plunging into freezing waters Sunday.
Two Australians working at Casey Station, a scientific research center just outside the Antarctic Circle, went ice swimming in honor of the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.
"Just behind me here we'll be digging a hole in the ice," said Casey Station Manager Graham Cook before thw swim. "And a few of the less intelligent of the group of us will take the plunge."
Traditionally, workers celebrate the winter solstice by jumping one by one into the ice-cold water. As a safety precaution, a rope is tied around each swimmer's waist.
The winter solstice, also known as midwinter, signifies the approaching spring season.
