By Ian Holmes

Hundreds expected for Nanaimo’s annual Boxing Day Polar Bear Swim

Dec 26, 2016 | 5:57 AM

NANAIMO — Boxing Day traditions in Nanaimo go beyond watching the World Junior Hockey Championship and scoring a bargain at the mall.

The 57th annual Frank Ney Memorial Polar Bear Swim goes at the Kin Hut at Departure Bay Beach on Boxing Day. Registration is at 11:30 a.m. with the icy plunge itself at 1:00 p.m., according to Courtney Kozack of Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty.

“We usually have swimmers that range in age from three-and-a-half to our oldest participant of 97…we have a bonfire, singing and guitar playing,” said Kozack.

She expects strong crowds to be on hand for what she refers to as a “well established” Boxing Day tradition in Nanaimo.

“Usually we have about 100 to 200 swimmers and spectator-wise we usually see about 500 people down there.”

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Kozack says coffee and hot chocolate will be available by donation, with proceeds raised supporting the Haven Society.

And Kozack is urging people not to be shy about hitting the ocean in an off-the-wall costume.

“Lots of participants come dressed in costumes just to keep the event exciting,” she said.