ESTEVAN — The Energy Dash and Splash – a polar bear swim preceded by an optional run/walk/bike/cross-country ski or snowshoe jaunt – has been postponed until March 25 due to forecasted weather. The run and polar bear swim were to take place at the Boundary Dam beach site.
With a blizzard warning in effect, the decision to put the event on pause was made Friday morning.
"Well Mother Nature is the boss," said Peggy Rohatyn in a post on Facebook. "Unfortunately, we are going to have to pay attention and postpone this weekend's Dash and Splash fun. Fear not, we will have a redo in two weeks - March 25.
"We realize that this may not work for everyone so we will refund your registration fee if you can't make it."
The fun and sporty community event is a fundraiser for Fresh Air Fitness, an outdoor, free-of-charge gym located at Woodlawn Regional Park, run by Rohatyn and Debby Knight.
A blizzard warning was issued Thursday afternoon. The blizzard is expected to start Friday evening into Saturday morning for southeastern Saskatchewan.
A blizzard with strong winds and significant falling snow will develop late day Friday as a low-pressure system tracks along the international border. Conditions will deteriorate rapidly in the early evening hours as snow begins to accumulate. Southeasterly winds gusting to 70 kilometres per hour will coincide with the organized snowfall throughout the same period. Widespread poor visibilities are expected throughout Friday night and whiteout conditions will be possible at times. Total snowfall amounts of 15 to 25 centimetres is forecast to fall Friday evening through Saturday evening.
The blizzard is forecast to ease mid-Saturday morning as winds diminish. Accumulating snow will taper off Saturday evening.
Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility. Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.
"If you do travel and become lost, remain where you are until the blizzard has passed. Protect yourself from wind, cold and disorientation by staying sheltered, indoors or with your vehicle. If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone. Limit outdoor activities. Ensure that shelter is provided for pets and outdoor animals."
Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.
For information on emergency plans and kits go to http://www.getprepared.gc.ca.
