500 Sails invites the community to participate in the Saipan Polar Bear swim challenge.
The event calls on participants to swim at least 40 miles between Dec. 21, 2024 and March 21, 2025.
In a news release, 500 Sails said the Saipan version of the Polar Bear is modeled after an event initiated by the Dolphin Club San Francisco. Its members continue swimming during the winter months, with temperatures in the San Francisco Bay sometimes dropping below 50 degrees F.
Emma Perez, 500 Sails co-founder, began the Saipan Polar Bear challenge in 2013.
Saipan participants may swim their miles in either the lagoon or a swimming pool.
A spreadsheet will be available at the Guma Sakman in Susupe for participants to log their miles.
Participants 60 or older are only required to swim a minimum of 20 miles during the time period, but are encouraged to swim as much as they can healthily accomplish.
Special recognition will be given to the first person to complete 40 miles and the person who swims the most by March 21, 2025.
All first-time participants who complete their miles will receive a polar bear figurine.
For those who are interested in participating but are in need of swimming guidance, 500 Sails has different educational swimming programs for the community free of charge.
On Mondays, 500 Sails offers Gamsun Project, which teaches teenagers water safety and swimming techniques in order to pass lifeguard certification.
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., 500 Sails offers adult learn-to-swim classes. An instructor will teach participants proper swimming and breathing techniques, among other things.
Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. are for the Sirena Project, an all-female swim class.
To schedule your participation in a class or if you seek more information about the Polar Bear challenge, email info@500sails.org/.
