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Polar Bear Swim a Boxing Day tradition

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Are you brave enough to take the plunge at the annual Boxing Day Polar Bear Swim?

The Comox Community Centre hosts another fun and frigid Polar Bear Swim at Goose Spit, Dec. 26 at noon. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m.

“The Polar Bear Swim is such a great event,” said recreation director Mandy Johns.

“There is no better way to get the family out and active after Christmas.”

Comox Fire Rescue will be there for everyone’s safety and serving hot chocolate to warm up swimmers after their ocean dip.

“According to our records, this marks the 40th annual Polar Bear Swim,” said recreation programmer Amy Bauman. “It’s been many years of cold and exciting family fun in the Comox Valley!  So come down to Goose Spit this Boxing Day to take the plunge.”

Special thanks to Selah Surf Company, Smitty’s Restaurant Comox, Blackfin Pub, Mount Washington Alpine Resort and the CVRD for their donations towards this event.

“Local businesses have been so supportive of the Polar Bear swim; they deserve such kudos for stepping up to help,” said Bauman.

There will be prizes for youngest and most senior swimmer, most spirit, biggest family participation as well as door prizes eligible to anyone who braves the cold water, so get the whole family out of the house and down to the beach on Boxing Day.

Staying warm is always a challenge. Bauman has some effective tips on how to stay safe and have fun.

“Children 6 years and up may participate and must be accompanied by an adult; drink coffee, tea or hot chocolate but not alcohol as it accelerates hypothermia; don’t stay in the water longer than 10 minutes. Body heat is lost 25 times faster in water than in air. And bring layers of clothing to warm up with as you drink the hot chocolate.”

The event is free. Please bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Comox Valley Food Bank. For more information on the Polar Bear Swim call the Comox Community Centre at 250-339-2255.