Polar Bear Plunge
Presented by CocaCola
Thursday, January 1, 2026; 10 am-2 pm
$10 per person Sign Up Online
Kick off the new year by plunging (or walking) into Puget Sound!
All ages welcome. Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Shoes/foot protection highly recommended. For the safety of participants, life jackets will be available, and lifeguards will be stationed on the docks.
Participants are encouraged to dress in costume and go all-out as they make their leap. Silly hats, formal wear, sports jerseys and animal onesies have all made appearances in the past.
Online registration has its benefits! Sign up in advance to:
- Choose a time slot between 10 am-2 pm. Options are available in half-hour increments.
- Sign up by Dec. 29 to be eligible for early check-in. Anyone who signs up on Dec. 30 or 31 must check-in at the event on the 1st.
Early Check-in:
Dec. 30 & 31 from 7:30 am-5 pm
Sign up online by December 29 and you can skip the check-in line at the event! Visit the Marina store on Dec. 30 and 31 for early check-in which includes pickup of your event wristband, commemorative patch and shirt/sweatshirt (if purchased online).
Participant Swag:
In addition to bragging rights, participants will receive free swag including a commemorative patch (while supplies last).
T-Shirt/Sweatshirt:
Purchase a t-shirt ($25) or sweatshirt ($40) to remember your plunge! Shirts can be added to your cart when you sign up online.
T-shirt/sweatshirt sales end December 14, 2025. Shirts and sweatshirts will be available for purchase at the event while supplies last.
Your registration fee helps us create a safe, family-friendly event:
A cold-water plunge is an exciting tradition, but it can also become dangerous quickly. In order to make sure everyone has a safe experience, lifeguards are positioned on the docks and divers are in the water. Life jackets are available for any participant to borrow.
ATTENTION BOATERS: The Boat Launch will be closed Jan 1, 2026 from 8 am-3 pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Water quality at the Polar Bear Plunge
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This current warning advisory from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department applies to the area from Jack Hyde stretching south to Thea’s Park.
During the winter months, the Blue Water Task Force collects water samples at Owen Beach. Based on their most recent bacteria results from samples collected on Dec. 9, 2025, Owen Beach was safe for recreation. (The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department monitors water safety at Owen Beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day.)
Here are some tips from the Health Department:
- You can check the Surface Water Advisories webpage to know which beaches are closed to swimming or wading. Again, it is important to know that beach water isn’t tested regularly in the wintertime, so swim at your own risk.
- Consider avoiding swimming 24 hours after heavy rain, especially near discharge pipes. That’s when open water carries the highest risk of illness from waterborne bacteria.
- Minimize exposure to any unreported bacteria. Wear goggles and nose plugs, shower after the plunge, and stay out of the water if you’re already sick.
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Is the launch open to boaters during the event?
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For public safety during the event, the boat launch will be closed Jan 1, 2026 from 8 am-3 pm. Boaters should plan to launch and return outside of those hours.
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What safety measures are in place during the event?
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In order to make sure everyone has a safe experience, lifeguards are positioned on the docks and divers are in the water. Life jackets are available for any participant to borrow.
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