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Mid-islanders to get 2018 underway with a chilly splash

Jan 1, 2018 | 7:10 AM

PARKSVILLE — Dozens of people are expected to brave the icy water at Parksville Community Beach on New Year’s Day.

They’ll be taking part in the 28th annual Polar Bear Splash, hosted by the Regional District of Nanaimo. Spokesperson Samantha Oliver said it’s an event for all ages.

“We have anything from toddlers up to 86-year-olds jumping in there,” she said. “People who have been doing it every year since it’s been happening and these new generations are coming in and just loving the idea.”

Depending on the weather, the event draws as many as 200 people, according to Oliver. She added the brave swimmers will be in good hands.