Costumes are encouraged for the annual Frank Ney Memorial Polar Bear Swim on Boxing Day, with hundreds expected to brave the waters. (submitted photo)

By Alex Rawnsley

chilly waters

‘Quite warm and probably quite mild:’ hundreds expected for annual Nanaimo Boxing Day dip

Dec 26, 2024 | 5:58 AM

NANAIMO — A tradition dating back over 60 years will happen once more on Boxing Day, with hundreds expected to brave Departure Bay waters.

The annual Frank Ney Memorial Polar Bear Swim takes place Thursday, Dec. 26 with registration beginning at 11 a.m. and the swim itself at 1 p.m. from Departure Bay beach.

Last year’s event drew around 200 people, the first formal swim since 2019, and more are expected this year according to head pirate and organizer Brad Ney.

“There’s people who are pretty dedicated and loyal to get out there every time the swim takes place. 300 would be good, I think we’ve had 300 in the past, we’re hoping to get 300 or 400 people this year.”

Ney said the annual event has become part of many people’s post-Christmas routine.

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“It’s a tradition, we’ve got to keep it going and going. Keep the fire burning, get more people out every year. This generation will carry this on for years to come I’m hoping.”

Costumes are encouraged, and an upbeat and positive attitude is mandatory for the event, which also draws a healthy number of spectators to the waterfront.

Ney said the central Island is the perfect spot to shake out the post-Christmas cobwebs and cure any turkey (or other) hangover.

“In Nanaimo, the best mean temperature of anywhere in Canada so it’s good for suntanning and swimming in December so the water will be probably quite warm and probably quite mild I imagine.”

Prizes will be offered for the best costumes, while a special award awaits the person who stays in the water the longest.

“We’ll give them a medal for sure. Frank, my dad, used to give out silver dollars. They don’t give them out anymore but they’re giving a coin and a certificate out this year.”

— with files from Ian Holmes

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