Polar Bear Dip in Oakville cancelled due to safety concerns

(Photo source: World Vision Canada)

For the first time in 33 years, the Courage Polar Bear Dip in Oakville has been cancelled due to safety concerns.

Organizers posted a tweet late Monday morning stating the New Year’s Day event had to be cancelled after significant ice and rock movement happened overnight at the dip site.

“We are saddened to announce that for the first time in our 33 year history, we have no choice but to cancel the Polar Bear Dip scheduled for today,” said a statement on the event’s website. The beach changed again overnight and after consulting with our safety committee, they have advised against proceeding with the event.”

We regret to announce #NewYearsDay 2018 Courage #PolarBearDip For World Vision Canada clean has been CANCELLED by authorities/organizers. Significant ice/rock movement overnight at planned dip site makes it unsafe. All donations will still go to World Vision clean water projects pic.twitter.com/ul56ToKp3W

— Polar Bear Dip (@PolarBearDip) January 1, 2018

Donations for the dip will still go to World Vision clean water projects.

The Toronto Polar Bear Dip, which was also scheduled to take place Monday, was cancelled on Sunday due to ice at Sunnyside Beach.