Polar bear swimmers celebrate the arrival of 2010

VANCOUVER – Heavy rainfall couldn’t keep more than 1,700 people from plunging into English Bay Friday for the 90th annual Vancouver Polar Bear Swim.

One of them was Paul Gallant, who wore a pair of horns over an Afro wig and draped a Canada flag over his shoulders. He took the plunge for the 18th time this year and said it’s his annual New Year’s tradition.

“The rain helps because I’m actually already cold,” said Gallant, as the downpour drenched him and a friend. “The water won’t feel bad at all.”

Another was England native Jodie Marshall, who said his Vancouver-based brother-in-law talked him into it.

“I’m very proud to be representing my country,” said Marshall, wearing a Speedo, an inner tube and water wings. “I’m trying to be as strong as these Canadians. I’m pretty impressed at the turnout.”

Cherlyn Garay and her friends tried the Polar Bear Swim for the first time this year.

“We miss every single year, but this year we’re doing it and of course it’s raining,” said the Vancouver resident, seeking the shelter of an umbrella before running into the water.

“It’s going to be freezing, but it’s a great way to start out the new year. It’s the perfect treatment for a hangover.”

More than 1,700 people registered by the official start time of 2:30 p.m., but many people don’t bother to register at all, said organizer Janka Corewyn.

Corewyn wasn’t at all surprised by the turnout.

“Last year it was really, really cold and we had a good turnout,” she said. “This year it’s really, really rainy and it’s a good turnout. It’s a great way to start the year. It’s a nice big party at the best beach in the world.”

Temperatures hovered between 7 C and 9 C Friday afternoon and Environment Canada had issued a rainfall warning.

In 2009, 1,588 registrants took the plunge into 6 C water, despite snow being on the beach.

The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club has been touted as one of the oldest and largest Polar Bear Swim Clubs in the world.

The first Vancouver Polar Bear Swim took place in 1920, when a small number of swimmers plunged into English Bay on New Year’s Day.

The record for most swimmers at one time is 2,128, in 2000.