Oh, the possibilities of a brand new year!

A fresh start for your health and relationship goals, and a chance to turn over a new leaf as the calendar flips to 2018.

More importantly, however, is the opportunity to jump into the nearly frozen salt water with a few hundred strangers. What a bonding experience!

Join the first-ever Esquimalt Lagoon Polar Bear Swim

Previous Polar Bear swims that took place at Elk Lake as well as Thetis Lakes had to be cancelled by the CRD due to winter algae blooms so the Victoria Sports News team is bringing back the shiver-inducing tradition to a new location.

The swim takes place January 1st, 2018 at 12:00 noon at Esquimalt Lagoon in Colwood and is being presented by Synergy Health Management.

Should you be one of the brave swimmers immune to cold, it is asked that you bring a donation along with your swim trunks, which supports KidSport Greater Victoria and the Runners of Compassion.

The New Years tradition represents an opportunity to wash away the mistakes of 2017, and dive into 2018 with a fresh mindset and a new lease on life.

Side effects may include strong desires for a hot shower and a cup of hot chocolate.