Annual Polar Bear Swim cancelled, participants invited to take `digital dip'

Add the annual Vancouver Polar Bear Swim to the list of events cancelled due to the pandemic.

Citing health and safety concerns, the City of Vancouver park board says the annual Jan. 1 group dip into the frigid waters of English Bay won't happen this year, but the city is aiming to replicate the chilly tradition with an online event.

Swimmers are being asked to take a “digital dip” by recording and sharing a video of at-home Polar Bear Swims in tubs or kiddie pools filled with water chilled to 7 degrees Celsius, the average water temperature of previous swims in English Bay.

The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, attracted 40,000 spectators and 7,029 registered swimmers last Jan. 1. The park board is hoping the beach will be empty this year.

Lisa Pantages, whose father Peter was one of the original members of the Vancouver Polar Bear Club that formed in 1920, says she'll be participating in the online swim.

“I will be in my fish pond, which is a pleasant 6 C. This year, let's have fun in the safety of our own homes, gardens, driveways or bathtubs. Polar Bears are known for their creativity. Have fun, and earn your commemorative button a new way,” said Pantages, who has taken part in 58 previous swims.

People can register for the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim at the City of Vancouver website before Dec. 21.

All participants who share their videos on social media, with the hashtag #PBPolarBearDip2021, will receive a commemorative certificate. Those who send video to polarbearswim@vancouver.ca will receive a Polar Bear Swim Club button.