Those keen to freeze in the New Year have two options on the Sunshine Coast – Gibsons and Davis Bay.
At 11 a.m. crowds gathered at Armours Beach in Gibsons will plunge into the waters of Shoal Channel. Free hot chocolate will be served and prizes given to those adorned in the best costumes. “The focus is really a fun, give-back service to community,” said Tess Huntly, coxswain with The Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) Station 14. The group organizes the annual event.
Those who would rather sleep in will have another chance for a dip and prizes, though they’ll have to be fast in the water. The 28th annual polar bear swim at the Davis Bay Pier will be taking place at noon. Registration begins at 11 a.m.
Children up to 12 years old dip first, then teenagers, a family group and adults aged 19-54, followed by seniors “who are crazy enough to get into the water,” said Lions Club president Linda Stroud. Participants race to a designated buoy and back to the beach. The top three finishers in each category win prizes provided by local businesses. “This year has been particularly good for prizes that have been donated,” Stroud said.
The event is organized by the Sunshine Coast Lions Club with volunteer help from RCMSAR Station 12 and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. Musician Jim Taylor is expected to play for the crowd.
“It’s a really fun event. We do a lot of fundraising all year but this isn’t about fundraising, it’s about getting the community together, coming out and having fun,” said Stroud.
But those who stay beachside should also prepare to get wet: Environment Canada is predicting periods of rain on Jan. 1.
