The annual Polar Bear Swim in Gibsons drew at least 83 registered dippers into the icy waters of Armours Beach on New Year’s Day.
Those who braved the chill did so in good company – the event is co-hosted by the local branch of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, and Gibsons Marine Rescue Society (a volunteer charitable organization that supports the RCMSAR).
“It’s a great opportunity for us to get to know people and for them to get to know us and what we do with the search and rescue unit,” said Tess Huntly, media liaison for RCMSAR Station 14, which has been sponsoring the event for five years.
The weather was bright and so were the costumes. Kids, parents, seniors and at least one six-month pregnant woman made it into the water, though Huntly did acknowledge none of the RCMSAR crew took the plunge. “We are usually too busy to get in the water. We do our polar bear dips at other times.”
The RCMSAR is the auxiliary volunteer arm of the Coast Guard and is always looking for volunteers. Visit its website to get involved.
