With a new year in sight, the ever-popular New YearB次元官网网址檚 polar bear swim is peeking around the corner. The Peninsula Celebration Society has invited hardy Islanders to another rendition of its annual polar bear swim.
The frigid annual event sees almost 400 swimmers and their supporters begin a new year by jumping into frigid waters off the shores of Glass Beach. "The atmosphere at Glass Beach is always electric," said Christina Lech, this year's event organizer.
"It's a tight-knit, joyful community filled with contagious energy and camaraderie. The beach becomes a colourful spectacle, with swimmers of all ages decked out in fun costumes or New YearB次元官网网址檚-themed gear, ready to take the plunge."
Polar Bear swims have been held in Sidney for as long as Lech can remember. "I personally remember attending the event nine years ago when it was held along Lochside Drive. The sight of hundreds of participants lined up along the coast in one long line was absolutely unforgettable."
Three years ago Lech even participated herself. "Just before noon, town crier Kenny Podmore rang his bell, and we all assumed that was the signal to jump in. We quickly realized our mistake when we came out of the water, only to realize Kenny still had his announcement to make," said Lech.
"We had to dive back in for a second time B次元官网网址� talk about a truly refreshing start to the New Year!"
As tradition dictates, the invigorating annual plunge is on Jan. 1 at noon, 2533 Beacon Ave. at Sidney's Glass Beach.