Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2013
byThe Vancouver Polar Bear Swim will have its 93rd run on New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1, 2013. This free event is open to the entire community and all those brave enough to splash in the waters of English Bay on the first day of the year.
Peter Pantages & Miss E Robinson in English Bay Dec 1927 – Archives Item #CVA 99-1787
Around the 1950s, the participation was approximately 250 to 300 swimmers, and six lifeguards and one supervisor were used for safety supervision. Today, anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 swimmers participate (record to-date 2,246 in 2011) and 5,000 to 10,000 spectators making it necessary for the Park Board to construct a fenced enclosure for the swimmers. – Vancouver Polar Bear Club
Arrive by 12:30pm to register as a Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club member and receive your badge — and the chance to win prizes. You may also register by clipping out the coupon in The Province and presenting it at the registration desk. The swim will then begin at 2:30pm, setting out from the beach in front of the bath house at English Bay.
Wear a costumes and compete in the Peter Pantages Memorial 100 yard swim race or just come out to watch and enjoy the fun. Donations of non-perishable food or cash are accepted by the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
2 Comments — Comments Are Closed
We enjoy watching the polar bears every year!
yes its worked for im half bear it was brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr