New Year’s Day brings many traditions, resolutions, new taxes and for many a Polar Bear swim or Penguin Plunge into frigid waters to kick the New Year into motion. Whether you take the plunge on your own or at an organized event, enjoy the start of your 2019.
Here’s a few of the local Polar Bear swims taking place around Metro Vancouver:
Vancouver Polar Bear Swim – English Bay Beach 2:30 – 3:30pm : dress up, donate to the Greater Vancouver Food Banks and dive into the waters of English Bay for the 99th year.
North Shore Penguin Plunge – Panorama Park, Deep Cove 12:30 – 3pm : live music, food, and refreshments, proceeds support the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 2.
Delta Polar Bear Swim – Boundary Bay Regional Park 12-1pm : start 2019 off with the 39th annual plunge into the chilly waters of Boundary Bay.
Port Moody Penguin Plunge – Rocky Point Park Boat Launch 11:30 – 1pm : a fundraiser for the Pleasantside Community Association registration $5/person or $10/family
White Rock Polar Bear Swim – due to the recent storm damage to White Rock pier, this annual event is cancelled for this year.
A Beach Near You – any time, any place with a shoreline can become a spot for a polar bear swim; take a solo plunge to find your 2019 zen or gather your friends for a group penguin plunge.
Whatever way or wherever you spend your New Year’s Day, I hope it heralds a healthy, happy and successful 2019!