It is back!
After a few years of being held at Porteau Cove, the 14th annual 2025 New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim returns to the oceanfront.
"After what seems like ages, we are back at the Squamish Oceanfront for our annual New Year's Day," say organizers Mike Wight and Katie Coombs on the Facebook event page.
Everyone is welcome, swimmers and spectators alike, organizers say.
Even on the years the event has been held in Porteau Cove, it has drawn about 75 people.
In addition to a towel, water shoes are recommended.
"Don't be late. See you there," say organizers.
This year, the 4th Squamish Scout Group will also be there with hot chocolate by donation and a propane fire pit.
On Wednesday, Jan. 1, is at 1:11 p.m. (3.56 metres).
In January, the average temperature of the water in Howe Sound is 6.5 C, the minimum temperature is 5.1 C and the maximum temperature in the first month of the year is 7.8 C, according to.
Tips from the Canadian Red Cross
While Polar Bear swims are a blast, they aren't without some risk.
The Canadian Red Cross.
°Before jumping in the water, stand on a blanket or towel and only remove your clothes right before you enter the water.
°Wear socks, aqua boots, neoprene surf boots or running shoes to stop your feet from sticking to the snowy or icy shore and prevent cuts and scrapes from the frozen ground.
°If you wear glasses, secure them with a strap or bathing cap.
°Once it’s time to jump in, ensure you have a spotter on the shore keeping an eye on you at all times.
°It’s especially important that you do not stay in the water longer than two minutes.
"One of the most is cold-water immersion, particularly in water below 10 C. Cold water draws heat away from the body approximately 20 times faster than air of equal temperature. Young children, the elderly and those with smaller body types, lower body weight and lower body-fat content are at an even higher risk for hypothermia. Get in, and get out," reads the blog post.
°As you get out of the water, you should have someone ready and waiting for you with a dry towel or blanket, dry clothes, socks, and shoes. Immediately use the dry towel/blanket to warm your feet and head, and, if possible, find shelter to warm up and change into your dry clothing.
Follow the Squamish polar bear swim details on.
*Please note that this story was updated when new information was released about the event.
