It will be the 32nd year for Delta's Polar Bear Swim, where 300 or more intrepid adventurers are expected to start 2012 with a refreshing dip into the icy water of Boundary Bay.
Festivities at Boundary Bay Regional Park in Tsawwassen begin at 11: 45 a.m. on New Year's Day with children's crafts, family activities and entertainment by stilt walkers.
Registration for swimmers starts at noon. Swimmers will head into the water at 1 p.m. sharp and everyone is out by 1: 05 p.m.
Those who prefer to watch from shore are welcome and are encouraged to attend in warm clothing.
Medals and prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place swimmers at 1: 10 p.m. Additional prizes will be given to the oldest swimmer and swimmer from farthest away. Previous winners have come from Sweden, Australia and United Arab Emirates.
For those who want a workout without the chill, Delta's municipal recreation facilities offer free swim, skate and weight room workouts on New Year's Day. Donations of non-perishable food items to the local Food Bank box at each facility are appreciated.
Winskill and Ladner Leisure Centre pools and weight rooms are open between 12: 30 and 4 p.m. Skating is offered at Sungod between 1: 30 and 3: 30 p.m., at Ladner Leisure Centre between 1 and 2: 30 p.m. and at South Delta Recreation Centre between 2 and 6 p.m.
Polar Bear Swim registration forms can be downloaded from the municipality's website at www.corp. delta.bc.ca and completed in advance for quicker registration.
