How you can bring in the New Year with a Polar Bear swim in the Okanagan

Polar Bear Swims have become a tradition for some people to kick off the New Year across several communities and the Okanagan is no different.

The January 1, 2020 Polar Bear Dip fundraiser hosted by the Community Recreational Initiatives Society in Kelowna will be taking place as usual in Okanagan Lake starting at 1 p.m. Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the society to help people with disabilities get outside by modifying equipment such as bikes, kayaks, cross country skis and more. The actually dip is at 2 p.m. at Tugboat Bay.

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The Polar Bear Swim will be returning to Peachland on Jan. 1 at Okanagan Lake. Swimmers are asked to check in at the Community Centre from 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

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The Kinsmen Club will be hosting the Polar Bear Dip in Summerland on Jan. 1 at Sun-Oka Beach in Trout Creek starting at 12 p.m. Donations collected will go towards local families and community projects.

For more information, go here. 

In Vernon, this year's official icy swim won't take place until February 15 at Paddlewheel Beach.

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Oyama will also have its annual Polar Bear Dip.

It's held across from the Oyama Community Club at noon.

The legion will also open their doors starting at 11:30 a.m. so people can stop in for a hot beverage. 

To learn more call 250-938-5155.

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