Tuesday, October 06, 2026
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Paul Torgerson dives into Lake Coeur d'Alene at Sanders Beach during the Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day.

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Polar plungers play it cool
January 2, 2023 1:09 a.m.

Polar plungers play it cool

About 1,000 charge into Lake Coeur d'Alene for annual frosty dip

Paul "Torgy" Torgerson has been doing the Polar Bear Plunge 40 years, and he knows what keeps pulling him back. "Release the old year and bring in the new with a good splash from the lake," he said as he warmed up after diving into Lake Coeur d'Alene on New Year's Day. Torgerson and about 1,000 men, women and children charged into the 37-degree water on a cloudy 36-degree day.