Want to start the new year fresh? Bask in freezing water at a Polar Bear Plunge event

To start 2023 on the right foot, Washington state residents can take a splash at a Polar Bear Plunge event in the Tacoma area.

The Polar Bear Plunge is an annual tradition where people submerge themselves in freezing water to welcome the first day of the new year. Although some events have been canceled during the past few years due to pandemic-related health measures, many areas near Tacoma are bringing back the tradition.

“The plunge is definitely cold,” says Rosemary Ponnekanti, communications media administrator with Tacoma Metro Parks, which is hosting its own Polar Bear Plunge this year. “The great part is having done it afterwards. It just makes you feel awesome.”

These are the events available this year:

Tacoma

Tacoma Metro Parks will host this year’s plunge at Point Defiance Marina after a hiatus in 2021 and 2022 due to COVID. The “Cub Plunge” – for children ages 10 and younger – begins at 11:30 a.m., while the adult and family plunge begins at noon.

Ponnekanti encourages everyone to wear a costume to the event. She says that sports team outfits, college paraphernalia, animal costumes and different kinds of hats have been popular in the past.

Life jackets will be available and lifeguards will be on duty. Parking is available at the Point Defiance Marina Public Boat Launch. You can sign up online or starting at 10 a.m. at the venue.

• Cost: $10

• Location: 5912 Waterfront Drive

Gig Harbor

YMCA Camp Seymour is putting on its event at its location in Gig Harbor, right next to Glen Cove on Puget Sound, from 10 a.m. to noon. Every person who is brave enough to take the plunge will receive a “commemorative certificate of courage.” Participants must wear life jackets, and a lifeguard will be on duty. The venue offers hot showers and changing rooms. You can register ahead of time online.

• Cost: Free to YMCA members and campers registered for summer 2023, $5 for others

• Location: 9725 Cramer Road KPN

Seattle

The Polar Bear Plunge in Seattle returns for the first time since 2020. The event, co-sponsored by Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Meadowbrook Community Center Advisory Council, is holding the event at noon at Matthews Beach. If you plan on attending and want to secure a spot, registration starts as early as 10 a.m.

Younger attendees who need more space to wade through the water can take part in the “Polar Cub Club” at 11:45 a.m. Participants who submerge in the water at least neck-deep will receive a “commemorative badge of courage.”

Attendees can show up early to play games, listen to music and check out food trucks, shirt vendors and a photo booth. Warming refreshments will also be provided.

• Cost: Free

• Location: 5100 NE 93rd St.

Kent

Residents near Kent can dash into the water at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park on the southern edge of Lake Washington. The plunge will take place at the park’s south beach at 10 a.m.

• Cost: Free

• Location: 1201 Lake Washington Blvd.

Des Moines

Dive into Puget Sound at Des Moines Beach Park just south of Seattle. The event begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until 11 a.m. Attendees can register online ahead of time.

• Cost: Free

• Location: 22030 Cliff Ave. S.

Edmonds

Take an afternoon dip at Edmonds’ 15th annual Polar Bear Plunge at Brackett’s Landing, located north of Seattle. The event begins at 1 p.m. and lasts 30 minutes.

• Cost: Free

• Location: 50 Railroad Ave.

Issaquah

Lake Sammamish State Park is hosting an event at Sunset Beach on the western bank of the park. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. and lasts an hour. Be one of the first 180 people to register and receive a Polar Bear plunge souvenir mug, hand warmer and coupon for a cup of clam chowder at Ivar’s Seafood Bar, located at Lake Sammamish Center. If you can’t make it to the event, the park encourages people to take the plunge at home and send a photo to director@flssp.org.

• Cost: $10

• Location: 2010 Northwest Sammamish Road

Safety tips

Plungers should be prepared with the correct clothing before taking a dive on Sunday. Ponnekanti shares some advice on the dos and don’ts for Polar Plunge safety:

• Although you may want to dress up to celebrate the arrival of 2023, be sure you’re wearing an outfit that is safe to swim in. Don’t bring anything into the water that you could get tangled up in. Also think about if your costume will be easy to undress when you’re done taking a swim.

• Ponnekanti advises against attending a Polar Plunge event barefoot, especially at events where you may be walking on cold concrete. She recommends wearing thick socks, which will keep your feet warm even when they’re wet. She also says water shoes or water sandals with socks are good options. However, it might not be a good idea to wear flip-flops because it’s easier for them to slip off.

• Bring plenty of dry clothes and blankets.

• The coldest part of the event is when you undress from your wet clothes. Think about how and where you want to do it beforehand.