Anyone Up For A Polar Bear Swim Can Head To English Bay For Their 94th Running!

VANCOUVER – If you want tokick start 2014 on a cold noteyou are welcomed to head toEnglish Bay for a dip at theannual Polar Bear Swim on NewYear’s Day!Join thousands of hardy ‘PolarBears’ for this free communityevent at 2:30 pm on January 1.Swimmers have been startingthe New Year by plunging intothe chilly waters of English Baysince 1920 when the Polar BearSwim was started by PeterPantages. The swim, which ishosted by the Vancouver ParkBoard, has remained largely unchangedover the years. Wear a costume, competein the Peter Pantages Memorial 100yard swim race, or just come out towatch and enjoy the fun!Water temperature has been recorded aslow as 3 degrees Celsius (38 degreesFahrenheit).“The Polar Bear Swim is a greatVancouver tradition and has been partof many people’s holiday to-do lists,”said Park Board Chair Niki Sharma. “Ifyou are joining us, please help make adifference by bringing a non-perishablefood item or cash donation for theGreater Vancouver Food Bank.”The Cactus Club Café at English Baywill be giving out free coffee, tea andhot chocolate with a donation to theFood Bank.Polar Bear Swim tips:• Registration is free and beginsat 12:30 pm at the English BayBathhouse• Limited edition commemorativet-shirts will be on sale• First three swimmers to reachthe marker buoy in the 100 yard racewill receive trophies• Commemorative Polar BearSwim Club buttons will be available tobathers after the swim (limited quantity)• Be Water Smart – know yourlimits, avoid diving into the water• Swimmers should have suppliesto stay warm: a towel, blanket,change of clothes, and warm outerwear• Children must be accompaniedby an adult• Dog owners are asked to leavetheir pets at homeMore information about the Polar BearSwim can be found at vancouver.ca.