Polar Bear Plunge Day - January 1, 2025

History of Polar Bear Plunge Day

The Polar Bear Plunge Day is a fascinating annual event observed in several parts of the globe. It involves bold participants who dive into a freezing body of water, typically during the winter season. Though it’s commonly linked with January 1st, as evidenced by the renowned Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day, various versions of this event exist, each with its unique backstory.

It’s difficult to pinpoint the precise birth of Polar Bear Plunge Day, but the ritual of bathing in cold waters for health perks is a practice that goes back centuries. This tradition stretches back to Ancient Rome, when people routinely used cold water baths for health and wellness. In the later years of the 19th century, leading into the 20th, “polar bear” swimming clubs sprung up in places with colder climates such as Canada, Russia, the US and the UK.

The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club, established in 1920 by a community of passionate cold-water swimmers, is recognized as one of the earliest organized Polar Bear Plunges. This event is held on New Year’s Day at English Bay in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Polar Bear Plunge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, initiated in 1916, is said to be among the oldest in the United States.

Over time, many comparable events cropped up across the globe, each with its distinct customs. Initially started as a daring winter season celebration and a test of endurance, many of these occasions now serve as charity events and fundraising platforms.

For instance, the “Nieuwjaarsduik” or the New Year’s dive in the Netherlands has been a tradition since 1960, attracting hordes of participants who dash into the North Sea. Today, it is sponsored by a soup company, and the funds collected are donated to charitable organizations. The Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge is another event that supports the Special Olympics.