Residents exit the river during an annual polar bear plunge event in Kamloops on New Year's Day, 2024.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Facebook/ Anonymous

Every year on New Year’s Day local beaches across the Thompson-Okanagan region are full of people plunging, dipping and splashing in frigid lakes and rivers to celebrate the new year.

Whether you're a seasoned polar dipper or you're psyching yourself up to take your very first icy plunge, there are several free events to choose from with donations going to local charities. 

"Polar Bears" in the South Okanagan are asked to meet at Sun-Oka Beach in Trout Creek for an icy dip at 12 p.m. on Jan. 1. The 39th annual dip put on by Kinsmen Club of Summerland is by donation with proceeds going to local families and community groups.

Dippers can expect warming fires, hot chocolate and hot dogs following their freezing plunge.

Summerland Polar Bear Swim

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

Peachland’s annual Dash and Splash starts with a two km or five km walk or run along Beach Avenue and ends with a chilly splash in Okanagan Lake. Check-in for the run is at 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at the Community Centre and the race starts at 10:30 a.m., while check-in for the swim is at 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. in time for the splash at 1 p.m. at Swim Bay.

People in the Kelowna area can join the annual Kelowna Polar Bear Dip at Tugboat Beach in Waterfront Park at 1 p.m. on Jan. 1, with the icy plunge happening at 2 p.m.

Music, prizes and food trucks will be on site. Tickets are required to participate in the dip while spectators are welcome to join in by donation. The swim is put on by Community Recreational Initiatives Society that works to make recreation accessible for all, and dippers are asked to come early to register and sign a waiver. Go here to preregister and get tickets.

Polar plungers in Peachland run into Okanagan Lake for the annual Dash and Splash event on New Year's Day, 2020.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Facebook/ Peachland Eagles Nest B&B

In Vernon, dippers have to wait until Feb. 15 to take their icy polar plunges during the Vernon Winter Carnival at the Polar Bear Swim and Market.

The frigid swim is at the Paddlewheel Hall on Okanagan Landing Road. There will be a concession and fire pit, and a silent auction and market in the hall. There is a $10 registration fee or $25 for a family that will be collected on the beach at 12 p.m. before the dip at 1 p.m. All money raised goes to help children at Mission Hill Elementary School.

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In Kamloops, the Kamloops Polar Bear Swim is happening at Riverside Park at 12 p.m. on New Year’s Day. Dippers are cautioned to wear something on their feet to protect from rocks, to bring lots of friends, and to wear a costume or a bikini.

Participants are asked to make a donation to the food bank the following day if they are able to.

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The Summerland Polar Bear Dip.

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

Polar bears in the Shuswap are invited to meet at the Scotch Creek Provincial Park boat launch accessed at the end of Ashe Road at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 1 for the 10th annual plunge.

A fire will be going on the beach and the run into the water happens at noon. Everyone is welcome to take part in the plunges or stand on the sidelines cheering.

— Did we miss any fun, freezing polar bear dips in the Kamloops, Okanagan area? Let us know in the comments or send us an email at news@infonews.ca.

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