Bill Hopkins has been the event coordinator for the Polar Bear Plunge for the past 10 years in Powell River. The 2015 event will mark the end of a decade by being the last time Hopkins will plan the event.
“It’s time to step back and relax a little bit.” Hopkins said he will still be attending and consulting but, “it’s time to let new people take over the iceberg.” In the past, Hopkins has used the event to raise money for charities and sponsor athletes, however he has decided to keep things simple for his last year.
One hundred people showed up to do the plunge on January 1 2014, and for this coming event the organizers expect around the same number. Registration will be at 11:30 am on Thursday, January 1, at Willingdon Beach, and the Canadian Coast Guard will blow the horn for all to jump in the water at the strike of noon.
Coffee from Starbucks and other hot drinks will be available and a bonfire will be blazing to warm people up after their swim in Malaspina Strait.
BC Ambulance Service will be at the beach to provide medical assistance for anyone suffering adverse effects of immersion into cold water. Hopkins would like to remind everyone to, “Bring footwear, as some rocks and barnacles can be sharp, and have a warm towel ready.” He also cautioned against the use of alcohol, and that under no circumstance is this to be a challenge of who can stay in the water the longest. Hypothermia can set in after just a few minutes, he said.
This is a family-friendly event for everyone to come out and enjoy. Even the family dog can go into the freezing waters...so long as owners clean up after their pooch, Hopkins added.
