Some consider it an essential holiday tradition while others consider it completely out of the question, but either way, the annual polar bear swim is always a sight to behold.
The chilly event is being organized by Pow! Town Roller Derby for the second year running after longtime organizer Bill Hopkins handed over the reins last year.
After sorting out the particulars with City of Powell River’s recreation department, Pow! Town president Nicki Lister says the event will go ahead with hundreds of brave souls plunging into the cold waters at Willingdon Beach at noon on Sunday, January 1.
Lister, however, will be one of the people who stand on the sidelines and watch, saying there is nothing anyone can do to convince her to go in.
“It’s been too cold! I’m in charge of organizing the insurance and making sure we have the permits, but I won’t be swimming,” she says. “It always looks like they are having a lot of fun though, and it’s a great way for everyone to get together and start the new year. For those who haven’t jumped in the ocean on January 1, you might want to try it.”
When Hopkins asked the roller derby league to take over the event last year, Lister says the group was happy to organize the free community event and provide hot chocolate and coffee.
The only fundraising that will be done, says Lister, is through roller derby t-shirt sales, with proceeds going to the Community Resource Centre.
“It all started because a lot of our team members were going to the swim anyway, and were big supporters of the event,” says Lister. “It’s a tradition and we didn’t want to see it stop. It brings the community together and, for a lot of people, it’s a right of passage; jump in the water and start fresh. We wanted to make sure it continued since Bill [Hopkins] helped us out a lot with our roller derby league, and we wanted to give back what was given to us.”
As for the lingering possibility that Lister might actually join in the traditional swim in our frigid January ocean this year, well, it’s just not going to happen.
“Nope,” she says, “not a chance.”
Polar Bear Swim
When: 12 pm, Sunday, January 1
Where: Willingdon Beach
Price: Free
Info: 604.483.1315
