With global warming, there are fewer excuses not to start off 2019 by attending at least one of three New Year鈥檚 Day Polar Bear Swims taking part in different venues on Vancouver Island.
鈥� This is the second year of the Victoria Sports News New Year鈥檚 Day Polar Bear Swim. Last year, approximately 500 people showed up to symbolically wash away the previous year while celebrating the new one.
Donations will be taken on behalf of KidSport Greater Victoria.
The event is sponsored by Synergy Health Management and the Victoria HarbourCats.
This year, people can register online for the swim with a $5 donation, which will include the swim, hot chocolate and draw prizes. For $30, people will get access to portable heaters, tents and a commemorative 2019 VSN New Year鈥檚 Day Polar Bear Swim shirt.
The event runs 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Esquimalt Lagoon, 2903 Ocean Blvd. The social media hashtag is: #VSNPolarBearSwim2019. .
鈥� The Peninsula Celebrations Society is once again inviting hardy Islanders to enjoy an invigorating start to the new year with a polar bear swim in Sidney/North Saanich.
The event is free. Prepare to dip your toes into the water at noon on Tuesday at the beach access at Lochside Drive (just down from Tulista Park). For more information, go to .
鈥� If you live in the mid-Island area, consider starting off the new year at the Polar Bear Splash at Parksville Beach.
You can join in the fun either as a spectator, volunteer or participant. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and cheers from the crowd.
The event is free, but registration is required.
Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. with the New Year鈥檚 Day dip commencing at noon at Parksville Beach.
For more information, go to .
