The organizers behind the Alki Beach Polar Bear Swim have changed their participation requirements due to the rapid spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19. None of it makes particular sense.
Swimmers dunk themselves into the Puget Sound’s chilly water each Jan. 1 in this annual tradition. The water is expected to be around 47 degrees. But this time, organizer and community activist Mark Ufkes is reportedly requiring masks at the event.
But that’s not all. Adult participants must be fully vaccinated, booster-ed, and “be in good health.”
Obviously, this is an outdoor event that involves a large amount of chilly water - expected this year to be around 47 degrees F. And quite a bit of fresh air, as well. I could almost see the vaccination part if the event was held indoors, but it's at Puget Sound. Lots of room, lots of air. After years of watching these folks, I have come to the inescapable conclusion that "community activists" are nuts.