Swimmers brave shivers at Burgess Swimmers brave shivers at Burgess (December 24, 2003)

By Rebecca Wallace

Almanac Staff Writer

"When life gives you lemons, you should swim in a freezing pool!"

That's the cheery message recently sent out in an e-mail by Jeff Dybdal, an aquatics program assistant for the city of Menlo Park. And it was the theme of a special event held Saturday, December 20, at Burgess Pool: the city's first Polar Bear Swim.

Local swimmers have certainly been handed their share of citrus fruit lately. In November, there was a major heater failure at Burgess Pool, shutting down the public facility. So officials decided to move aquatics programs over to the Belle Haven Pool, even though it's typically closed during winter, Mr. Dybdal said. But the Belle Haven heater also went out.

What to do? Appeal to swimmers who enjoy the challenge of splashing about in glacial waters, and hold a light-hearted event.

As it turned out, four hardy souls -- including Mr. Dybdal -- participated in Saturday morning's countdown for the chilly splash into Burgess Pool, buoyed by free hot drinks from the city and the promise of a commemorative certificate.

Those who like their pools a little warmer should find satisfaction on Monday, December 29, when repairs on the Burgess heater are expected to be completed.

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