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Start off 2018 the right way at the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim, 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
- Vancouver strips off for annual Polar Bear Swim (PHOTOS, VIDEO)
A few guidelines, from the City of Vancouver:
- If you have a heart problem – just watch!
- Children must swim and stay with an adult.
- Please leave your dog at home.
- Do not drink – alcohol does not warm you up – it accelerates hypothermia.
- Do not stay in the water longer than 15 minutes. Body heat is lost 25 times faster in water than in air.
- Do not remove your clothing until swim time. The swim will be started by a flag and siren.
- Entrants in the 100 yard race – meet in the front line on the north side (Stanley Park side) of the enclosure.
- First 3 swimmers to touch the marker buoy by the lifeguard boat – give your names to the lifeguard.
- After you swim, pick up your commemorative button at the large polar bear or at the registration table.
- Warm up with coffee or hot chocolate.
Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2018
When: Monday, January 1, 2018
Time: 2:30 t0 3:30 pm. Come early for registration.
Where: English Bay Bathhouse – 1700 Beach Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: 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
- Vancouver strips off for annual Polar Bear Swim (PHOTOS, VIDEO)