Vancouver Polar Bear Swim should be a breeze on New Year's Day

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      If you've never indulged in the annual insanity known as the Polar Bear Swim, this might be your year to do it.

      That's because the weather forecast calls for an extremely warm New Year's Day in Vancouver.

      With the temperature expected to be 5°C and winds predicted to reach just five kilometres per hour, taking a dip in English Bay should be a breeze.

      There's a 20 percent chance of precipitation, but even if there is rainfall, it's predicted to be less than a millimetre.

      In other words, there will be perfect conditions for a seaside hangover cure unlike any other.

      Today, the Vancouver Park Board announced that the 95th annual Polar Bear Swim will begin at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday (January 1). It says water temperatures have been recorded as low as 3°C.

      Registration starts at 12:30 p.m. at the English Bay Bathhouse and there will be a limited edition commemorative T-shirts on sale. Filling in an online registration form in advance ensures participants can avoid lineups on the day of the event.

      "The Polar Bear Swim is a great Vancouver tradition and has been part of many people’s holiday to-do lists. There’s a lot of great energy and, even if you’re not swimming, it’s fun to watch," Vancouver park board chair John Coupar said in today's news release. “If you are joining us, please help make a difference by bringing a non-perishable food item or cash donation for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.”

      There's also a Peter Pantages Memorial swimming race. The first three swimmers who arrive at a buoy marking the 100-yard point will receive trophies.

      The Polar Bear Swim was founded by Peter Pantages, who used to swim in English Bay three times a day.

      He was the owner of the Peter Pan Cafe on Granville Street. His uncle Alexander built the Pantages Theatre on East Hastings Street.

      The Vancouver park board hosts the free annual event and says children must be accompanied by an adult.

      Dog owners are requested to keep pets away from the beach.

      See also: "Does the English Bay polar-bear dip pose any health risk?"

      Comments

      3 Comments

      Whaa?

      Dec 27, 2014 at 11:05am

      5C is "extremely warm"??

      @Whaa?

      Dec 27, 2014 at 1:55pm

      You are not alone... You reflect the attitude of a true Vancouverite!
      Where does the GS think we are anyway - Canada?

      Big Poop

      Jan 1, 2015 at 1:24pm

      Metro Vancouver annually discharges 440 billion litres of wastewater into local waters from five different treatment facilities.

      Provincial standards require all plants to provide both primary and secondary treatment, however, Iona and Lions Gate -- the two which service Vancouver proper -- haven't yet been upgraded to that status.

      Source : http://thetyee.ca/Culture/2014/07/18/Vancouver-Cleanest-Dirtiest-Beaches/

      I had some third world mercury & lead laden Shrimp grown in human feces which resulted in Diarrhea that I had in my Shower in Point Grey.

      The resulting sewage outflow made it out to English Bay in time for New Years.

      The waste outflows from the Hospitals & various fluids drained from Dead bodies by Hospitals & Vancouver Funeral Homes also no doubt made it into English Bay in time for New Years.

      Enjoy that "dip".