Nearly 5,000 Brave Icy Waters in Washington in Bid to Break Polar Bear Dip World Record
BIRCH BAY, Wash. — On a frigid winter day, nearly 5,000 participants plunged into the icy waters of Birch Bay in a collective effort to break the Guinness World Record for the largest polar bear dip. Organized by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, Blaine Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2, and Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, the event drew 6,213 registered participants, with 4,917 officially counted entering the water according to Pacific Multisports, the group responsible for the official tally.
The previous record stood at 2,461 participants, but was surpassed in December 2025 when 3,134 people took a cold-water plunge in Sola, Norway. The Birch Bay event, held on January 1, 2026, aimed to shatter that mark by nearly doubling the number of participants.
Guinness World Records adjudicator Brittany Dunn was on site to oversee the attempt but noted some challenges with the counting process. “I was supposed to have the number before we started, but people entered the village without being counted officially over the scanner,” Dunn told The Bellingham Herald. “Eventually we’ll have a number, but it won’t be totally accurate for the number of bibs that were given out because not everyone got successfully scanned.”
The rules for the record required participants to wear only swimsuits and shoes, explicitly prohibiting wetsuits or other cold weather gear. Additionally, each participant had to remain in the water for at least six minutes to qualify for the record. This strict regulation ensured the event was a true test of endurance against the harsh winter elements.
Birch Bay’s attempt highlights the growing popularity of polar bear dips across the United States and internationally, where communities gather annually to celebrate the New Year with invigorating cold-water plunges. These events often serve charitable causes and foster a strong sense of community spirit.
While the official Guinness World Records website has yet to confirm the final tally, the organizers and participants celebrated what many consider a historic achievement. The event also drew attention to the region’s tourism and recreational offerings, with local tourism authorities hoping the record attempt will boost future wintertime visitation.
For more information on official world record attempts and guidelines, the Guinness World Records website provides detailed criteria and updates. Additionally, the National Park Service offers resources on safely engaging in winter water activities, emphasizing the importance of preparation and safety.
As the community awaits official confirmation, the Birch Bay polar bear dip stands as a testament to human resilience and the power of collective effort in the face of nature’s chill.
Leave a Reply