White Rock Polar Bear Swim cancelled due to pier damage

Revellers planning to partake in White Rock's annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim will have to take the plunge elsewhere this year.

In a statement on its website, the White Rock Rotary Club said the event has been cancelled following damage to the city's historic pier in last week's windstorm.

No one was hurt when the 104-year-old structure broke apart after being battered by strong wind and waves on Dec. 20, but the public has been asked to stay away from the waterfront and to respect barricades that are in place.

As a result, there will be no splashing about in the ocean on the first morning of 2019.

However, there are other options for brave swimmers seeking an icy dip on New Year's Day.

Delta's39thAnnual Polar Bear Swim kicks off at 1p.m. PT at Boundary Bay Regional Park, while the Port Moody Penguin Plunge takes place at the same time at theRocky Point Boat Launch.

In Vancouver, the 99thVancouver Park Board Polar Bear Swim starts on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. PT.

According to the White Rock Rotary Club, the city'sevent will resume for its50thanniversary in 2020.

According to the City of White Rock, it could take until the end of January to repair the pier.