Polar Bear Swim

January 1, 2010

Start the year with a 'refreshing' dip into the waters of Boundary Bay with 300 or more other intrepid adventurers. Festivities begin at 11:30 am with entertainment, children's activities and registration for swimmers. Polar Bear registration form { pdf 93KB } can be completed in advance for quicker registration upon arrival at Boundary Bay on January 1st. Swimmers head into the water at 1:00 pm sharp and everyone is out by 1:02 pm. Prizes are awared to first, second and third place swimmers to the bell, the oldest swimmer and the swimmer from furthest away (last year swimmers came from Finland and Saudi Arabia!).

The swim takes place at Boundary Bay Regional Park in Tsawwassen. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to attend in warm clothing.

• Polar Bear registration form { pdf 93KB }
• Schedule of events { pdf 311KB }

*Please note that the water will be about 4 to 5 degrees Celsius therefore the swim is not recommended for young children. Polar Bear Swimmers seven years of age and younger must be within arm's reach of a responsible adult at all times.

Other New Years Day Opportunities

If this sounds too chilly, you can drop by one of our recreation facilitites for our Annual Teddy Bear Skate or swim and enjoy a free swim, skate or weight room workout on New Year's Day - all we ask is for a donation of a non-perishable food item to the local Food Bank, a box will be provided at each facility.

For more information on these activities, please contact Parks, Recreation and Culture at (604) 952-3000.