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PHOTOS: Hundreds take the plunge at Delta Polar Bear Swim

Around 400 people rang in the new year with a brisk swim in Boundary Bay
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Hundreds of people took part in the 39th annual Delta Polar Bear Swim on Jan.1, 2019 at Centennial Beach in Boundary Bay Regional Park. (James Smith photo)

Hundreds of brave souls hit the frigid waters of Boundary Bay on New Year’s Day as part of Delta’s 39th annual Polar Bear Swim.

Around 400 people took the plunge on that sunny Tuesday afternoon, many wearing bright costumes or sporting festive accessories, while hundreds more cheered them on from the relative comfort of shore.

Swimmers dashed from the beach hoping to be the first to ring the bell on a buoy in the water, and the top three finishers — Harlan Theaker, Jared Soll and Tyler McLeod — each received a trophy and a prize for their efforts.

As well, prizes were handed out for the oldest swimmer and the participant from furthest away. Seventy-four-year-old Ladner resident Robert Dumancic was this year’s most senior swimmer, while Mishke Reux of South Africa (now Ladner) took home the prize for having travelled the farthest. There were also two swimmers who came all the way from Columbia and another from New Brunswick.

Photos below by James Smith



editor@northdeltareporter.com

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First place winner Harlan Theaker picks up his trophy and prize at the 39th annual Delta Polar Bear Swim on Jan.1, 2019 at Centennial Beach in Boundary Bay Regional Park. (James Smith photo)
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(from left) Second place winner Jared Soll, first place winner Harlan Theaker and third place winner Tyler McLeod at the 39th annual Delta Polar Bear Swim on Jan.1, 2019 at Centennial Beach in Boundary Bay Regional Park. (James Smith photo)
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Robert Dumancic, 74, of Ladner got the trophy for oldest swimmer at the 39th annual Delta Polar Bear Swim on Jan.1, 2019 at Centennial Beach in Boundary Bay Regional Park. (James Smith photo)
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James Smith

About the Author: James Smith

James Smith is the founding editor of the North Delta Reporter.
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