More than 500 people took part in the 40th annual Polar Bear Swim in Boundary Bay on New Year’s Day.
The record-breaking crowd, many wearing costumes, rang in the new year by racing into the frigid 12 C waters off Centennial Beach.
“There were so many people we actually ran out of Polar Bear buttons, way more than 500 participants this year,” said event volunteer Britta Forbes.
Hundreds more chose to stay warm and dry on shore, cheering the swimmers on and taking in family-friendly entertainment like live ice carving, a drum circle workshop, marshmallow roasting, a kids’ treasure hunt, face painting, and a raffle draw, as well as delicious hot chocolate provided by the Tsawwassen Boundary Bay Lions Club.
Trophies and prizes were awarded to the top three swimmers, as well as the oldest swimmer and the person who traveled the farthest to take part in the swim.
Cullen Jamieson of Tsawwassen took home the prize for first place, followed by Harlan Theaker of Ladner and Steven Tubbs of Burnaby.
Jenine O’Brien of Margaret River, Australia took home the prize for swimmer who traveled from farthest away, while 84-year-old Michael Harbott was the day’s oldest swimmer.
— with files from Ryan-Alexander McLeod
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed the first place winner as Jamieson Cullen.
editor@northdeltareporter.com
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