Grab your thickest, warmest beach towel and head up to Elk Lake on Sunday for the 36th annual Polar Bear Swim.

The cool dip in SaanichB次元官网网址檚 frigid waters is expected to draw hundreds of participants B次元官网网址� many of whom are regulars.

B次元官网网址淭here tends to be a lot of repeat dippers. For them, I donB次元官网网址檛 think it matters what the weather is like that day,B次元官网网址� said Corinne May, promotions co-ordinator for CFAX radio station. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a little bit of a nicer swim if it isnB次元官网网址檛 raining or too bitterly cold, but I think people decide ahead of time that theyB次元官网网址檙e going to take the plunge.B次元官网网址�

Environment Canada is forecasting a clear but cool day on Sunday for the 2 p.m. event.

All swimmers earn a participation ribbon, and one participant will be named the honorary polar bear.

B次元官网网址淪taff chooses (who earns that title) based on a number of things like their enthusiasm and how they happen to be dressed. They donB次元官网网址檛 have to be dressed like a polar bear,B次元官网网址� May said.

Festivities B次元官网网址� including a dance party warmup courtesy of Body Dynamic Headquarters B次元官网网址� begin at 1 p.m. Mr. Tube Steak will also be on site selling food.

Parking is limited at Hamsterly Beach, at the north side of Elk Lake just off the Pat Bay Highway, so show up early if you plan on attending.

And if you do, donB次元官网网址檛 forget warm clothes, blankets and towels so when you run back onto shore you donB次元官网网址檛 just stand there shivering, May said.

kslavin@saanichnews.com