Plunge into the new year at the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2017

Start off 2017 the right way by plunging into the frigid waters of English Bay to ring in the New Year.

The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim is a tradition dating back to 1920 when 10 brave swimmers took a cool dip into English Bay on January 1.

The Polar Bear swim has since attracted thousands of thrill-seeking Vancouverites every year, so come down and join the city in doing New Year’s Day right.

See also

• Photos and videos of the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2016
• The history of Peter Pantages and the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim

A few guidelines, from the City of Vancouver:

• If you have heart problems, don’t risk it. Enjoy the show!
• Children must be with an adult in and out of the water.
• For safety’s sake, leave your dog at home.
• Alcohol accelerates hypothermia, so don’t drink.
• Don’t stay in the water fore more than 15 minutes. Body heat is lost 25 times faster in water than in air.
• Don’t remove clothing until the swim starts.
• Entrants in the 100 yard race – meet in the front line on the north side (Stanley Park side) of the enclosure.
• If you’re one of the first three swimmers to touch the marker buoy by the lifeguard boat make sure to give your name to the lifeguard.
• Pick up your commemorative button at the large polar bear or at the registration table following the swim.
• Warm up with coffee or hot chocolate.

Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2017

Where: English Bay Bathhouse – 1700 Beach Avenue, Vancouver

When: Sunday, January 1, 2017. From 2:30 t0 3:30 pm. Come early for registration.

Cost: Free. Participants must register online. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank will be accepting donations of non-perishable food or cash – please be generous!

See also

• Photos and videos of the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2016
• The history of Peter Pantages and the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim