Residents of "Cow Bay" proved that it is not short for "cowardly" as residents braved the cooler temperatures on Jan. 1, hitting the icy cold water of Cowichan Bay for the annual polar bear swim.
Several small groups trickled into the area of the boat launch at Hectate Park in Cowichan Bay at 11 a.m. and didn't let trepidation stop them from stampeding into the icy cold water.
Committed residents who literally took the plunge into 2025 said that the Cowichan Bay Fire Department used to host an official annual polar plunge event before COVID, but since many have continued to keep it going with their small groups of family and friends. While the department certainly has their hands full with the construction of their new fire hall, perhaps next year volunteers might want to dive in to once again officially bring back this time honoured and literally 'cool' new year's day tradition.
