Polar Bear Swim 2014: New Year’s Day in Vancouver

Have you always wanted to experience hypothermia? A polar bear swim is your best bet.

Vancouver's 94th annual event will take place on New Year's Day (January 1) at 2:30 p.m. According to the Vancouver park board, which hosts the swim, the water temperature in English Bay could go as low as 3°C.

If you actually don't want to get hypothermia, here's a few tips from the park board:

Bring supplies to stay warm – a towel, blanket, change of clothes, and warm outerwear – and know your limits in the cold water. Avoid diving into the water.

Free registration starts at 12:30 p.m. at the English Bay bathhouse. If you bring a non-perishable food or cash donation for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, the Cactus Club Café at English Bay will hook you up with "free" coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.