The Peninsula Celebrations Society’s Polar Bear Swim in the Salish Sea is at noon off Lochside Drive, near Tulista Park in Sidney.

At 2 p.m., the 37th annual polar Bear Swim at Hamsterley Beach at Elk Lake takes place.

While swimming attire is expected, many people in past years have come dressed up in a variety of costumes.

The majority of people will simply dash in and out of the water, but some hardy folk will undoubtedly go for a leisurely swim to start off the year — or to shake off the cobwebs from New Year’s Eve revelry.

The Boy Scouts of Greater Victoria hope to raise funds from the Elk Lake event. People are asked to sponsor somebody to take the plunge — or not. People can pledge somebody to not swim as well. People can also bring their canoe or kayak out for the event.

For pledges for the Boy Scouts call 250-704-0309 or visit victoriascouts.ca.

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