-2.41°C Vancouver

Jan 18, 2021 6:44 PM -

Cold-water swims appear to becoming a way to beat the COVID-19 blues

Share On
cold-water-swims-appear-to-becoming-a-way-to-beat-the-covid-19-blues
More people appear to be taking to cold-water swims as a way to beat the COVID-19 blues.Photo of Esquimalt, Fleming beach/B.C. Government/Flickr)

More people appear to be taking to cold-water swims as a way to beat the COVID-19 blues.

Victoria's Andy Bernhart says when he started taking cold ocean dips at Willows Beach there were only a few diehards, but people are now flocking to the chilly water.

He says a cold-water swimmers Facebook page he started in Victoria has grown to 258 members.

He said this growth has occurred in about a year and other groups are also boasting more swimmers.

Bernhart says a jolt of cold water can help relieve pandemic-related stress and depression.

Latest news

alberta-to-hold-october-referendum-on-immigration-policy-and-senate-reform
AlbertaFeb 20, 2026

Alberta to Hold October Referendum on Immigration Policy and Senate Reform

Alberta residents will be asked to weigh in this October on two policy questions dealing with immigration and constitutional reform, the provincial government has announced. One of the proposed referendum questions will ask voters whether non permanent residents should be required to pay to access Alberta’s publicly funded health care and education systems. The issue comes amid ongoing debate across Canada about how provinces manage service costs as population growth increases. A second question will ask Albertans whether the province should advocate for abolishing the Senate as part of broa
AlbertaFeb 20, 2026

Alberta issues standing measles exposure advisory for Parkland County

Alberta health officials have issued a standing measles exposure advisory for Parkland County, west of Edmonton, as confirmed cases continue to be reported across the province. Alberta Health says individuals who live, work, attend school or travel in the Parkland County area should monitor for symptoms and ensure their immunizations are up to date. A standing advisory means residents should remain alert for potential exposure rather than focusing on a single location or date. As of Thursday, Alberta has recorded 71 confirmed measles cases in 2026. Health authorities say the majority of cases
CanadaFeb 20, 2026

Canada men’s hockey team faces Finland in Olympic semifinal as short track finals offer medal

Canada’s men’s hockey team is set to face Finland in the semifinal at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, with puck drop scheduled for 10:40 a.m. ET. The matchup will determine who advances to the gold medal game as Canada looks to add to its medal total at the Milan Cortina Games. There is uncertainty surrounding the availability of team captain Sidney Crosby, whose status for the semifinal remains unclear. Team officials have not confirmed whether the veteran forward will dress for the game, a development that could influence Canada’s lineup against a strong Finnish side. Canada will also h
canadian-evacuation-flights-from-cuba-conclude-amid-severe-fuel-shortage
CanadaFeb 20, 2026

Canadian evacuation flights from Cuba conclude amid severe fuel shortage

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says the final Canadian airline evacuation flights from Cuba have now concluded, as the country faces a deepening aviation fuel crisis that has disrupted international travel. According to the federal government, approximately 27,900 Canadians were safely transported home through coordinated efforts involving major carriers. Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat have officially suspended their services to Cuba until further notice due to the ongoing shortage of aviation fuel, which has made refuelling for international flights difficult. Minister A
CanadaFeb 20, 2026

United States defeats Canada 2-1 in overtime to win gold in women’s hockey at Winter Olympics

The United States captured the gold medal in women’s hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday, edging Canada 2-1 in a tightly contested final that extended into overtime. Canada opened the scoring early in the second period when Kristin O’Neill capitalized on a shorthanded breakaway, giving her team a 1-0 lead. The advantage held for much of the game as both sides traded chances in a fast-paced and physical matchup that reflected the long-standing Olympic rivalry between the two programs. With less than two minutes remaining in regulation time, veteran forward Hilary Knight tied the ga

Related News