Decked out in bikinis, Speedos and a few Santa suits, hundreds of people will wash off the dust of the past year and splash into a new one Jan. 1 as part of the 95th annual Polar Bear Swim at English Bay.
One spunky actress plans to return to the fray dressed as Lady Luck. Linda Watters is part of a group of actors, stunt performers and film industry professionals who take part every year. The group’s theme this year is superheroes.
Watters plans to wear a ladybug headpiece and T-shirt adorned with six different Marvel cartoon heroes, over a modest swimsuit. "I thought I'd go as Lady Luck, because every superhero mission needs me but you can't count on me."
Watters' first Polar Bear Swim was Jan. 1, 2013. She was hestitant at first. "Sometimes, I'm not as brave as I pretend to be, and I thought, 'It's good to do the polar bear dip. Let's be brave. Let's do the polar bear dip.'"
For Watters, the Polar Bear Swim is a continuation of changes the 48-year-old has made in her life. Entering her 40s, Watters became physically active, signing up for kickboxing, parkour and gymnastics. "When I first started to do martial arts, for the first time in my life I was comfortable in my own skin. With all of my 'perceived flaws.'"
She continued to test herself. "I love my body. It does what I want it to do. It's a wonderful body."
Watters admitted she doesn't do a lot to prepare herself beforehand. "When I go in, I go just up past my knees and squeak a little bit. I run back out and then I run back in all the way."
Last year saw a record number 2,550 registered participants take the plunge.
According to Environment Canada, the temperature will be 2 C with a mix of sun and cloud for Thurday’s event.
To register for the Polar Bear Swim, which is free, participants have to sign up in front of the English Bay Bathhouse between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Swimmers will hit the water at 2:30 p.m.
Those coming out to swim or watch are encouraged to bring a donation for the Vancouver Food Bank. Cactus Club will provide free hot chocolate and coffee at their concession stand.
For details and swim tips, go to vancouver.ca.
