CAPE TOWN - With the winter solstice arriving on Sunday, 21 June, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) dares the public to embrace the chill and celebrate the return of longer nights by taking an invigorating plunge.
Dive into the sea, leap into a pool, brave a local dam, or face the ice bucket; however you choose, the challenge is on.
The NSRI called it a test of grit and courage, but there’s more.
READ | National Sea Rescue Institute | Raising funds for rescuers
Plungers may reap health rewards like sharper circulation, less stress, and a stronger immune system.
Andrew Ingram from the NSRI said their volunteers will also be on standby to assist anyone, in the middle of the night or even during the day.
"Go out on Sunday, the 21st of June, and get into some cold water. That might be your swimming pool. It might be the sea. It might be a river," he added.
According to the institute, each year, volunteers from their rescue bases brave the cold water for a plunge to raise funds for their station.
And this year the challenge is still on.
"Every contribution helps the NSRI continue teaching water safety and survival swimming, as well as conducting rescue operations and saving lives," the institute added