Hundreds of people are expected for the 2024 Polar Bear Splash in Parksville hosted by the Regional District of Nanaimo (Submitted photo)

By Alex Rawnsley

chilly start

‘It makes you feel alive:’ Parksville polar bear dip to help ring in 2024

Jan 1, 2024 | 7:10 AM

NANAIMO — It’s a New Years Day tradition for some and wholesome entertainment from the safety of shore for others.

The Regional District of Nanaimo are again hosting their annual Polar Bear Swim, at Parksville Community Park on Monday, Jan. 1, beginning with registration at 11 a.m. and the plunge itself at 12 p.m.

Matt Watts, aquatics coordinator with the RDN, told NanaimoNewsNOW the return of the event last year drew hundreds down and far exceeded expectations.

“Last year we exceeded 350 swimmers, that’s how many we had signed up. It was a big event, and it’s great to see everybody out there and I’m thinking we’ll hit the same maybe more this year.”

Music and a pre-dip aerobics class will keep people entertained and limber prior to the bone-chilling dip.

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Those wanting to wear a costume are highly encouraged to do so as well.

Parksville firefighters, along with Arrowsmith Search and Rescue personnel will be on scene as well to keep people safe and warm.

Sirens from a fire truck will signal the start of the swim at noon.

Watts, who took the plunge last year, said it encouraged him to do regular cold plunges through the year.

“It makes you feel alive, you get in there and it’s a huge shock. It’s that mental will power to actually get in then after that you feel like you can do anything. It’s that fresh breath of air, it just really shocks the system and makes you feel really good.

Barring an absence during the pandemic, the polar bear dip has run annually since 1990 in Parksville.

Nanaimo’s polar bear dip is traditionally held Boxing Day and made its return in 2023 after a three year hiatus.

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