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Polar Bear Plunge Day

Taking a chilly plunge, all for a noble cause — uniting people in a frozen adventure to support those in need.

CharityHobbies & Activities45
Marketing angleinferred

Leverage Polar Bear Plunge Day as a high-engagement fundraising and community-building event hook for charities, fitness brands, and local hospitality venues seeking winter activation and health-conscious audience participation.

Relevance 45medium intent
  • Before & After: Capture the courage and camaraderie of plungers with behind-the-scenes event coverage
  • Health & Safety Guide: Partner with fitness/wellness brands to promote safe cold-water immersion tips and recovery products
  • Charity Impact Stories: Spotlight the causes supported by local Polar Bear Plunge events to drive donations and volunteer sign-ups
  • Community Challenge: Encourage teams from local businesses or gyms to register and compete for fundraising records
History

Polar Bear Swims have been practiced for well over a hundred years in different countries. The first recorded Polar Bear Swim took place in Boston 1904 and it continues as a tradition today.

In many Canadian communities, plunging into icy water for a swim is a New Year’s Day tradition.

Vancouver’s annual Polar Bear Swim Club has been active since 1920 and usually has 1,000 to 2,000 registered participants every New Year’s Day, with a record 2,128 registrants taking part in the Polar Bear Swim in English Bay in 2000.

It would seem that the Netherlands have greatly outdone North America, as about 10,000 people have been diving into the icy cold sea water at Scheveningen, The Netherlands’ main beach resort town, every year since 1960.

In fact, it is estimated that all over the Netherlands, 30,000 people take part in what they call “Nieuwjaarsduik” New Year’s dive) each and every year.

New Year’s Day is though to be the best day for this kind of swim, because as many participants have noted, after you’ve done that, no challenge the New Year could bring could possible phase you. However, some swimming clubs organize regular winter sessions.

Plungapalooza is the largest polar bear plunge in the United States, held annually at Sandy Point State Park in Maryland.

The event, that raises funds for the Special Olympics, has managed to collect millions of dollars. The largest Plungapalooza to date took place in 2008, with an estimated 12,000 people participating.

How to celebrate

Take a Polar Bear Plunge

Find out where the nearest Polar Bear Plunge Day will be organized, and sign up. You can help raise money for those who need it, meet new friends and make some incredible memories! However, you should keep in mind that human beings don’t have the fat and fur that polar bears have to protect them from the cold.

Remember Tips for Ice Plunges

Enter the water slowly so it’s not too much of a shock, and be sure to have a towel and dry clothes ready for as soo as you come out of the water. You should also warm your body up afterwards from the inside out with a hot drink or bowl of soup. The Polar Bear Swim is also not right for everyone, as it triggers many intense bodily reactions—you may start to hyperventilate because of the inability to take a deep breath for the first 30 seconds or so, and your heartbeat and blood pressure will probably increase drastically.

Check With Your Doctor

So if you have any heart condition or have the tendency to panic, you may be better off standing on the shore in your nice warm coat, hat and scarf, taking pictures and laughing at the people running right back out of the water as quickly as they ran into it. Either way, you will be able to be part of the fun!

FAQ
Where did the idea of a New Year’s plunge originate?
The concept of jumping into frigid water on New Year’s Day started with early 20th-century fitness groups, like the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, which began the tradition in New York in 1903. Cold-water swims, however, date back centuries, with Scandinavian countries embracing icy swims as invigorating health practices. Now, hundreds of “polar bear” events worldwide help people start the year with a fresh (and frigid) plunge​.
Do people celebrate Polar Bear Swim Day outside of winter?
Surprisingly, yes! In New Zealand, where the seasons are flipped, people hold polar plunges in June, around the shortest day of the year. Similarly, in Antarctica, visitors and scientists take an icy dip as part of a midsummer ritual, an activity celebrated by researchers stationed at New Zealand’s Scott Base as a “rite of passage” each December​.
Is there a polar plunge tradition associated with the Super Bowl?
Yes! In Long Beach, New York, the annual plunge occurs on Super Bowl Sunday, not New Year’s Day. It began in 1998 as a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and attracts thousands of participants who dive into the icy Atlantic to support the cause. This unique timing adds an American football twist to the chilly tradition​.
Are there any quirky “myths” about polar plunges?
Some people believe that jumping into cold water “awakens” special physical powers, boosting immune health and longevity. While some health benefits exist, these myths tend to exaggerate the effects. Notably, exposure to cold can help improve circulation, but diving into ice-cold water with these expectations can be risky without the right preparation​.
What’s the connection between polar swims and charity?
Polar Bear Swims often fundraise for local causes, like Special Olympics in Maryland’s massive Sandy Point State Park plunge. Toronto’s Courage Polar Bear Dip supports clean water projects through World Vision, blending fitness and philanthropy. These events have raised millions over the years, making a splash not just in icy waters but in charitable contributions​.
How do participants prepare for a polar plunge?
Preparing for the icy dive involves unique gear and routines. Plungers often wear thermal swimwear under regular clothes and bring insulated shoes for the beach. Heated tents are common at events to help people warm up post-plunge, and participants are advised to avoid alcohol before diving since it lowers body temperature and increases risk​.
Is there a special trick to staying warm during a polar plunge?
Some seasoned polar swimmers swear by the “don’t stop moving” method. Quick exercises like jumping jacks before entering help maintain body heat. Others use wool socks, which stay warmer in water, while some veterans even skip gloves to avoid water seeping in and cooling their hands faster.​
Are there alternative ways to participate without getting wet?
Yes, non-swimmers can join as volunteers, helping with safety or serving hot drinks to plungers. Many events encourage spectators and even host costume contests to add fun for those staying dry. At Maryland’s plunge, thousands enjoy the festival atmosphere with live music and food stalls, creating a community gathering on shore​.
Why do some people choose to plunge in costumes?
Costumed plunges are popular as a way to add a playful twist to the icy dive. In Canada’s Vancouver event, costumes range from superhero suits to full-body animal onesies. Besides adding flair, costumes help distract from the cold and make for great photos, turning the event into a spirited spectacle​.
What are some “unwritten rules” of polar plunging?
Among frequent plungers, there are traditions like high-fiving the nearest person when emerging from the water or posing for a quick group photo while shivering. In South Korea’s Busan event, swimmers often bring their families, with kids splashing along the shoreline for good luck in the new year.