The weather on midwinter’s day was a bit too much for a swim with some fairly high wind, so we had to delay it for another time. With a nice day (−25.3°C air temperature) and with calm winds we decided that 6th July would be the day for the Mawson winter swim.
First task was to prepare the hole which fell to myself and Alex, so we went down to the wharf with chainsaws in hand. We drilled holes in the corners then got to work with the chainsaw. It didn’t take long to have the hole cut all around and then use the excavator to get the ice out. It can be pretty tough stuff and it took a while to get all the little bits of ice out so that the pool was not too chilly.
Once we had the hole cut and other preparations were complete the eight sillier of us took the plunge. It’s a bit hard to describe the feeling of plunging into the minus 1.8 degree water. At first it’s not too bad as it 25 degrees warmer than the air temperature but then it really saps the heat out of you. It was a bit of a blur climbing back out with Dr Mal checking that we were OK and then we ran back into the warmth of the wharf hut.
The eight swimmers were — Eddie, Mark A, Benny, Alex, BJ, Doug, Leon and Shane.
Thanks to those who didn’t swim and took care of the eight of us that did! Mark B — Lifeline Attendant; Heidi — Rescue Supervisor; Pete and Dan — Photographers; Dr Mal — Towel Passer and Doctor; Kat — Overall in charge of whole shebang.
Until next time,
Brian
