FILE PHOTO: The Polar Bear Dip at Tugboat Beach in Kelowna has become an annual tradition for some brave swimmers.
(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)
December 29, 2017 - 2:00 PM
KELOWNA – For some it's madness, but for many people, a frigid dip in icy Lake Okanagan symbolizes a fresh start to the new year.
At 2 p.m. on New Years Day, Jan. 1, 2018, dozens of brave swimmers will crowd Tugboat Beach in Kelowna for the 2018 Kelowna Polar Bear Swim.
A fundraiser for the Community Recreational Initiatives Society, the Dip began in Kelowna in 2014 and has attracted more entrants each year.
“What better way to start off your new year than to jump in to Okanagan lake?” the event website says. “Come join us for the 2018 Polar Bear Dip hosted by the UBCO JDC West team! Dip by donation and help us raise funds for CRIS Adaptive Adventures!"
Peter Ze German Street Food, BARE TACO and Canoe Coffee Roasters will also be there as well as live music starting at 1 p.m.
Entry is by donation, with all funds going to CRIS, a non-profit dedicated to bringing outdoor activities to disabled people.
“See you there, if you're brave enough that is,” the site says.
Polar Bear dips are also planned for Peachland and Summerland, with registration starting at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 1, 2018.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2017