Revellers wishing to make an ice-cold start to 2021 will have to go it alone.
The annual Davis Bay New Year’s Day polar bear dip organized by the Sunshine Coast Lions Club won’t go ahead in any official capacity this year and neither will the swim at Armours Beach in Gibsons.
“In light of the public health advisories around large gatherings, RCMSAR 14 is not able to support the Polar Bear Swim at Armours Beach this New Year’s Day,” said RCMSAR 14 media liaison Matthew Rockall.
Normally, the Gibsons RCMSAR chapter provides cold-water rescue readiness service, hot chocolate and certificates of completion. Those who decide to take a personal plunge are asked to keep a distance and stay safe in the water.
Sunshine Coast Lions Club president Linda Stroud said they were sad to cancel the event but because of COVID-19 restrictions, “there was no choice.”
– Coast Reporter
