The 93rd annual polar bear swim at English Bay, a traditional feat of fortitude and fun, is the perfect way to welcome the new year (and clear the cobwebs left by the celebrations of the previous eve).
Join one of the largest and oldest Polar Bear Clubs in the world by registering for a free membership in front of the English Bay Bathhouse between 12:30 and 2:30pm on New Years Day. Donations and non-perishable food items will be accepted for the food bank.
Event highlights are the costumes and the Peter Pantages Memorial 100-yard swim race.
Swim coordinator Glenn Schultz says, There are about two or three dozen people who do the race with roughly six to eight thousand [people] watching.
It starts at 2:30pm sharp. People get antsy when you hold them back, he said.
From developing entry forms and new badges to cleaning the beaches to organizing police and traffic control, preparation for this event starts a couple months ahead.
Last year, there were 2,200 registered swimmers. In 2011, a new record was set with 2,246 registered swimmers.
Patrick Oleman, member of the Portland FC soccer team, gathered some friends to do it last year. Having done the swim a few times before at his reserve, this was his first time doing it in Vancouver.
When asked what he took away from the experience, he replied, I got a group of friends that are willing to, basically, do anything with me.
Another player loved the spontaneity. She said, It was a really cool way to bring a bunch of strangers together and create a community in Vancouver out of a very different thing... Just bringing people together in that way is kind of unique.
As Oleman said, Just have fun.
Swim tips from Glenn Schultz and the Vancouver Park Board:
If you have a medical condition, please just watch.
Be with your children at all times.
Have someone looking after your belongings.
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 are to meet in front of the line on the north side (Stanley Park side) of the enclosure.
First three swimmers to touch the marker buoy by the lifeguard boat, give your name 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.
