Whiffin Spit will again see a host of hardy (some may say foolhardy) revellers take to the water on Jan. 1 as the Otter Point Fire Department hosts the 27th annual Polar Bear Swim.

The popular tourist destination, situated between Sooke harbour and the Strait of Juan de Fuca Strait, has long been the site of the annual swim.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a fresh start to a new year, and itB次元官网网址檚 just a lot of fun,B次元官网网址� said Fire Chief John McCrea.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 not sure why, but itB次元官网网址檚 sort of a tradition in these parts and itB次元官网网址檚 been going for a long, long time. People in Sooke and Otter Point get together to take the plunge.B次元官网网址�

The hardy swimmers gather at Whiffin Spit at about 11:30 a.m. and at noon the cannon goes off and people just take the plunge.

While the event annually draws about 400 residents of all ages, McCrea pointed out that only about a quarter of those actually hit the water.

The rest, it seems, just come to watch the festivities and, presumably, either cheer on the swimmers or marvel at the fun-filled (and a little bit silly) activity.

B次元官网网址淢ost of the people will jump in and jump out, but we have a few who go in and try to see how long they can stay in the water. TheyB次元官网网址檒l submerge themselves right to their neck and sit there with big smiles on their faces,B次元官网网址� said McCrea with a chuckle.

B次元官网网址淪ome dress up in costumes and some come dressed for a day at the beach.

McCrae admits that he has taken the plunge, but didnB次元官网网址檛 commit to doing so this year.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檒l see,B次元官网网址� he said.

As always, the swimmers and spectators alike will be treated to a steaming cup of hot chocolate and be invited to warm themselves by a bonfire, courtesy of the fire department.

Otter Point fire and the SAR service will also be on hand to deal with any medical situations that might arise, although McCrea noted that there have been no incidents in his memory where people have required assistance.

B次元官网网址淚ts just a whole lot of laughing and fun,B次元官网网址� he said.

mailto:tim.collins@sookenewsmirror.com
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