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Hundreds of people are expected for the 2023 Polar Bear Splash in Parksville hosted by the Regional District of Nanaimo (Submitted photo)
bone-chilling swim

New Years Day Polar Bear Splash returns to Parksville’s waterfront

Jan 1, 2023 | 8:13 AM

PARKSVILLE — A beloved local event may be chilly, but the reception won’t be icy from hundreds of expected participants.

On-site registration starts on Sunday. Jan 1 at 11:30 a.m., while the horn blows for the annual Polar Bear Splash at noon sharp on Parksville’s waterfront at the Community Park beach.

Regional District of Nanaimo’s supt. of aquatics Heath Mahoney said they’re hoping to eclipse the 280 participants who bravely turned out the last time the event was staged in 2020.

“As RDN staff we’re really excited about this to allow the community to come back into the new year, figuratively and literally splashing into the new year and starting off fresh,” Mahoney said.

Water shoes are another recommended item for participants to more comfortably navigate rocky sections of the beech.

Officials with Parksville Fire Rescue and Arrowsmith Search and Rescue will be on hand to help ensure the safety of all participants.

Door prizes will be handed out, Mahoney noted.

He emphasized people can expect a family-friendly event.

“Come dressed in any kind of costume you want, get ready to brave the cold water, but in addition make sure you bring some warm clothing and towels for afterwards.”

Parksville’s annual Polar Bear Splash launched in 1990 and was cancelled due to the pandemic the previous two years.

In Lantzville the Polar Bear Swim will take place at noon at the Harper Road Beach.

Nanaimo’s annual Frank Ney Memorial Frank Ney Memorial Polar Bear Swim was cancelled for a third consecutive year this past Boxing Day.

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