Thousands of brave individuals across British Columbia took a dip in icy waters on New Year’s Day as part of the annual Polar Bear Swim tradition.
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, participants from all ages and backgrounds gathered at various locations throughout the province to take part in the frigid plunge.
In Vancouver, an estimated 4000 people braved the chilly waters of English Bay, with some even donning creative costumes for the occasion. The event, which has been a tradition since 1920, is organized by the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club and is considered one of the largest and oldest Polar Bear Swims in the world.
Meanwhile, in Victoria, over 1000 people took part in the annual swim at the Esquimalt Lagoon, with some participants even bringing their furry friends along for the plunge.
Other cities in BC also saw a significant turnout, including White Rock, where over 1000 people took part in the event, and Kelowna, where over 500 people braved the cold waters of Okanagan Lake.
The Polar Bear Swim tradition is believed to have originated in Canada in 1920, when a group of Vancouver swimmers decided to take a dip in English Bay on New Year’s Day. Since then, the event has grown in popularity and has spread to other parts of the world.
While the event is often seen as a fun and exhilarating way to kick off the new year, it also serves as a fundraiser for various charities and organizations. In Vancouver, participants are encouraged to make a donation to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, while in White Rock, donations are collected for the Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Polar Bear Swim tradition continues to bring communities together and raise funds for important causes. And for those brave enough to take the plunge, it’s a refreshing and invigorating way to start the new year.
