Polar Bear Plunge Day is celebrated on January 1, when thousands of brave people across the United States and around the world start the new year by jumping into freezing lakes, rivers and oceans. Often called polar bear plunges or swims, these events are part fun, part tradition and often part fundraiser, raising money for charities. Most participants dash in and out in under a minute, cheered on by crowds.
History of Polar Bear Plunge Day
Cold-water bathing has a long history in northern countries. Finns and Scandinavians have long alternated hot saunas with icy dips, and Russians take part in winter swims during religious holidays.
In the United States, the Coney Island Polar Bear Club in Brooklyn, New York, founded in 1903, is often described as the oldest winter bathing organization in the country. Its New Year's Day plunge has become a famous event, drawing thousands of swimmers. Other big plunges take place in places like Lake Michigan, Boston and Seattle.
In the Netherlands, the Nieuwjaarsduik, or New Year's Dive, draws thousands of people to beaches such as Scheveningen. In recent decades, charities, including Special Olympics programs, have organized Polar Plunges throughout winter to raise money, with participants collecting pledges for taking the icy jump.
Why Polar Bear Plunge Day Matters
Polar plunges create a fun, memorable way to start the new year, often with friends, family or coworkers.
Many plunges raise money for good causes, turning a brave moment into support for charities and community groups.
The tradition also celebrates community spirit, with costumes, cheering crowds and warm drinks afterward. For many people, it's a symbolic fresh start for the year ahead.
How to Celebrate Polar Bear Plunge Day
- Join an organized plunge: choose an event with lifeguards and medical staff.
- Raise money: collect pledges for a charity.
- Wear a costume: many plungers dress up.
- Bring warm clothes: pack towels, dry layers and a hot drink.
- Cheer from shore: support plungers if you'd rather stay dry.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, teams can sponsor a coworker's plunge or join a charity plunge together. In classrooms, students can learn about how the body reacts to cold water, research cold-weather animals like polar bears, or support a local charity plunge. At home, families can attend a plunge as spectators, make warm cocoa, or start a less extreme tradition, like a New Year's Day walk. Cold water can be dangerous: never plunge alone, stay in only briefly, and check with a doctor if you have heart or health conditions.
Fun Facts About Polar Bear Plunge Day
- The Coney Island Polar Bear Club was founded in 1903.
- The Dutch Nieuwjaarsduik draws thousands of plungers.
- Many plunges raise money for Special Olympics programs.
Polar Bear Plunge Day FAQs
When is Polar Bear Plunge Day?
Polar Bear Plunge Day is celebrated on January 1.
What is a polar bear plunge?
A brief dip into icy water, often on New Year's Day and often to raise money for charity.
What is the oldest polar bear club in the U.S.?
The Coney Island Polar Bear Club, founded in 1903, is often called the oldest.
Is a polar bear plunge safe?
It can be risky; join organized events with lifeguards, stay in briefly and consult a doctor if you have health conditions.
How long do people stay in the water?
Most participants go in and out in under a minute.
What should I bring to a polar bear plunge?
Towels, warm dry clothes, water shoes and a hot drink.