500 Sails starts Saipan Polar Bear swim

500 Sails invites the public to participate in the Saipan Polar Bear swim event that started yesterday, Dec. 21, 2023.

The Saipan Polar Bear is an annual swimming challenge. The goal is for CNMI swimmers to swim at least 40 miles during the winter—from Dec. 21 to March 21.

First-time participants under the age of 65 who swim at least 40 miles in that time frame will receive a commemorative marble plaque and polar bear figurine; those who are 60 and over need only 20 miles.

Special recognition will be given to the first swimmer to reach 40 miles, as well as the participant who swims the most miles by March 21.

Record for most miles is held by Pete Perez at 356 miles. The Saipan version of the Polar Bear is modeled after an event of sister club Dolphin Club San Francisco, where the Polar Bear started to encourage DCSF members to continue swimming during winter months, where temperatures in San Francisco Bay can reach below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Emma Perez, 500 Sails co-founder, is a former swim commissioner of DCSF and brought the first Saipan Polar Bear Swim event to life in 2013.

Swimmers can register for this year’s Saipan Polar Bear at the Guma Sakman in Susupe, across from Marianas High School, during morning swims from 6am to 7am Monday to Sunday, or Saturday from 10am to 1pm.

For more information, contact program manager Andrea Carr at (670) 323-7245 (SAIL) or acarr@500sails.org.

You may also reach out via Facebook or Instagram Messenger. Don’t know how to swim? Free adult swimming lessons are available every Wednesday from 6am to 7am at the Guma Sakman with prior arrangements. Email info@500sails.org to make arrangements. (PR)