Taking the plunge
People looking to to jump-start a new year can kick of 2012 with a brisk dip at the 42nd Annual Polar Bear Swim on Jan. 1 at White Rock Beach.
Hosted by the White Rock Lions Club, the decades-old tradition attracts people from all over the Semiahmoo Peninsula and even further, said Don Miller, chairperson of the event.
"We got a call from a 65-year-old woman who was coming down here from Fort St. John," Miller said. "She had been to White Rock before and she wanted to know when the swim was happening."
Last year's event had nearly 500 taking the plunge, with an addition 2,500 watching the swimmers from the pier to the promenade, said Miller.
"It's a diverse group, people of all ages participate," he said.
There will be two tents set up on New Years Day, one for registration and the other will offer hot chocolate and hot dogs.
Mayor Wayne Baldwin will be on hand to help kick off the swim which begins at noon.
Despite the fun and food, Miller said he doesn't expect people to stick around for too long after the swim.
"It's generally over really quickly. People rush in and then rush out to go home to their hot tub or whatever they have."
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