After a pandemic-induced two-year hiatus, those waiting to ring in the New Year with a dip in icy ocean waters will have to keep waiting for a formal event.
The Sunshine Coast Lions Club confirmed with Coast Reporter Dec. 13 there will be no polar bear dip held at Davis Bay on Jan. 1, 2023.
"Due to logistics [we're] not going to be able to host the Polar Bear swim this year," said Lions Club's Cyril Perpet.
The swim was expected to be overseen by volunteers from the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue’s (RCMSAR) station 12.
In 2020, 115 people took the plunge – an event record, despite high tides that limited beach space. That was the last time any formal event has been held.
The previous year’s event drew approximately 200 spectators and 66 registered participants – and more than a few unlisted dippers.
Gibsons swim cancelled
Gibsons residents will also have to go without a formal event.
Tess Huntly of RCMSAR station 14 told Coast Reporter the Gibsons unit won’t be hosting the swim at Armours Beach, citing safety concerns and given conditions aren’t expected to change, Huntly said the unit doesn’t anticipate being able to host future New Year’s Day dips.
“The beach is officially closed and the infrastructure of the dock has been removed for the season,” said Huntly, adding the dock removal limits boat access to participants within the swimming area.
Additionally, a “very high tide” is predicted for Jan. 1, she said, “and consequently no beach area from which to enter the ocean, which could make it a bit risky for overcrowding on the stairs.”
In 2020 high tide peaked at 4.7 metres and in close proximity to the swim, forcing the approximately 100 swimmers to clamber down stairs and retaining walls to enter the water. A similar-sized tide is expected on Jan. 1.
The swim was also cancelled in 2022 and in 2021.
“We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season on and off the water,” said Huntly.
