Join thousands of fellow swimmers and spectators on January 1st at 2:30pm for the Park Board’s 98th annual Polar Bear Swim in English Bay.
Last year, more than 1,500 people registered to swim in the 7 degree ocean waters. To ensure safety in the frigid waters, Park Board lifeguards will be front and centre in rowboats, on paddleboards and lifeguard chairs.
“The Polar Bear Swim is a free community event and a great way to jump into the New Year. We encourage the thousands of people on the beach to have a wonderful and crazy time, and to leave English Bay beach as pristine as ever when the festivities are over,” said Park Board Chair Stuart Mackinnon.
The brave are encouraged to register so the Park Board can measure the event’s popularity and be entered into a prize draw.
The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club is one of the largest and oldest in the world. In 1920, Peter Pantages and nine other brave swimmers started their New Year in style by plunging into the chilly waters of English Bay. Since then the Polar Bear swim has grown into a much loved, highlight of the holiday season.
Last modified: January 1, 2018
