Polar Bear Plunge Day

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​.

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​.

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​.

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​.

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​.

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​.

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.​

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​.

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​.

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.