Weather fit for a polar bear

With seemingly never ending snow, cold temperatures, the occasional northern breeze and a rather white landscape as the background, the annual Polar Bear swim is set to go on New Years Day at 1 pm at the Rushbrook Floats.

One of the heartier events for locals, the event while unofficially endorsed through the years has been a fixture for the Prince Rupert Rotary Club since 2003, making the afternoon swim a family affair, even for those that don't tip a toe (or any other body parts) in the rather frosty waters off of Rushbrook.

For those looking for more details on what is on the list of events for New Year's Day, the Daily news filled in the frosty agenda in Wednesday's paper.

Polar Bear Swim fun will help launch a new year
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
The Daily News
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Pages one and two

Gather your wits and bravery and put on your bathing caps. Prince Rupert's Annual Polar Bear Swim takes place on Jan. 1 at Rushbrook Floats, starting at 1 p.m.

There'll be prizes for the best team costume and the best male/female costume as well as free hot dogs and hot chocolate for everyone who comes out to participate - or watch.

The Prince Rupert Rotary Club has been organizing the event since 2003.

Each year, a group of Rotarians assemble a team entry for the occasion.

In past years, they've shown up as the Titanic, Yellow Submarine, a six-pack of beer, a deck of cards and the Village People. This year's entry - in the making since Dec. 12 - is a secret that will be revealed on the day, said Finn Conradsen.

"We're having a dress rehearsal Tuesday but we're keeping it a mystery until New Year's Day."

Rotary is challenging other clubs to participate with team entries and encouraging anyone and everyone to show up for the swim in a costume.

"The swim's all about having fun no matter what the weather is," Conradsen said.

The Coast Guard and BC Ambulance will be there and local firefighters will be setting up a tent.