Start the year off right…
polar bear plunge
January 1st, 2026
Presented by: 
Help us make history on January 1st, 2026! Join thousands in Birch Bay as we attempt the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Largest Polar Bear Dip!
Click here to register!Not a plunger? Thats OK! Help us make history on January 1st, 2026 by VOLUNTEERING! We will need over 150 volunteers to make this possible.
CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER!
Stay and Plunge at Semiahmoo Resort!
Looking for somewhere to warm-up in comfort after your chilly dip? Use the button below to book our exclusive rate for the 2026 Polar Bear Plunge Event.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK THE STAY AND PLUNGE RATE
Warm up at Cabana Club after the Plunge!
Our cozy, well-equipped condo is the perfect home base for Polar Plunge participants, supporters, and families. Located just minutes from Birch Bay, you’ll be close to the event while enjoying a comfortable space to relax, recover, and celebrate after the icy dip.
CLICK HERE to view listings and book the discountℹ️ Event Logistics
🅿️ Behind CJ’s Beach House & The Beach Bar
📍 Clubhouse Drive off of Birch Bay Drive
💲 Cost: $10/vehicle
🚶♂️Within walking distance of the event (about 1/10th of a mile).
🅿️ North Bay Community Church
📍 4895 Birch Bay Lynden Road, Birch Bay
💲 Cost: FREE
🚍 Golf cart & van shuttle service with help from Birch Bay Carts & Whatcom County Library System from 9 AM – 2 PM.
Note: Chuch will be open (Times TBA) for warming, restrooms, changing area and free hot chocolate. Free Parking Available.
🅿️ Birch Bay Waterslides
📍 4874 Birch Bay Lynden Road, Birch Bay
💲 Cost: $10/vehicle
🚶♂️Within walking distance of the event (about 1/2 mile).
🚍 Golf cart & van shuttle service with help from Birch Bay Carts & Whatcom County Library System from 9 AM – 2 PM.
🅿️ Birch Bay Bible Church
💲 Cost: FREE
🚍 WRS Shuttle available from 8 AM – 2 PM.
🅿️ American Legion – Peace Arch Post
📍 4580 Legion Drive, Birch Bay
💲 Cost: FREE
🚍 WRS Shuttle available from 8 AM – 2 PM.
🅿️ Birch Bay State Park
💲 Cost: FREE – January 1st is a FREE day at Washington State Parks
🚍 WRS Shuttle available from 8 AM – 2 PM.
🅿️ Bay Horizon Park
💲 Cost: FREE
🚍 BBBPRD2 Red Bus Shuttle available from 8 AM – 2 PM.
Pre-registration is highly encouraged.
Registration & Shirt Pre-Sales are available on eventbrite now.
💲 Cost: There is no cost to register to plunge.
💲 Pre-sale Cost: Hoodies $45.00; Long-Sleeve Shirts $28.00; T-shirts $25.00
Check-in Locations:
✅ Birch Bay Beach Park: Main Event
📍7930 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay
🎶 Live Music by Michael Dayvid 9 AM -11:30 AM
📸 Photo Booth & Selfie Station Opportunities 8 AM – 2 PM
☕️ Cocoa, hot soup & other refreshments
🔥 WECU Warming Tent
🧩 Activities & WECU Snowball
✅ Birch Bay Library
📍7948 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay
🧩 Activities
✅ Beach Cat Brewing Co.
📍7876 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay
🧩 Activities
🍺 Adult Beverages available starting at 11:00 AM
🥳 Official After-party Celebration – Following the Plunge until 5:00 PM
*Please Note: All participants will need to check in at one of these three locations to receive their participant bib in order to be counted for the record. Anyone not wearing a bib during the plunge will not count for the record.
8:00 – 11:00 AM | Registration & Fun
- Check-in for pre-registered participants
- On-site registration
- Counting bib pickup
- T-shirts & sweatshirt pre-order pickup (at Birch Bay Beach Park Only)
- Warm-up in the WECU Warming Tent
- Games, activities, and music to get you pumped
- Photo booth & selfie stations open for photo opportunities
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Final Prep
- When directed, start to head to the beach.
- Bibs contain an RFID chip – you must cross over a timing mat to be counted for the record. The bottom of your bib will have a perferated tear-off section that will be taken by a volunteer at the entrance to the beach. This will be our second form of verification for the record.
- Remember: No wet-suits or dry-suits. Costumes that may conceal a wet-suit or a dry-suit will not be allowed.
12:00 PM SHARP | The Record Attempt
- A siren will blast to officially start the attempt.
- Enter the water together, and get waist-deep as quickly as possible.
- Hold for 60 seconds under staff direction
- Listen for a second siren to indicate the end of the 60 seconds.
- Follow staff instructions back to Birch Bay Beach Park
- We can try up to two additional attempts if needed.
12:15 – 2:00 PM | Celebration
- Dry off and warm up with hot cocoa in the tent
- Music and refreshments
- Short ceremony if we break the record
- Certificates for all participants
Post Plunge – 5:00 PM | Official After-Party at Beach Cat Brewing.
- Warm/Dry Tent.
- Live music from Lost at Last
- Beverages
🗞️ Press Releases:
Sept. 22, 2025
Birch Bay, WA — Birch Bay is making a splash this New Year’s Day with a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title attempt for the largest Polar Bear Dip during the annual Polar Bear Plunge! On January 1, 2026, thousands are expected to rush into the icy waters of Birch Bay in celebration of the New Year and the chance to be part of history.
The current record to beat is 2,461 people, set in Most, Czech Republic, in March 2025.
Early registration is more important than ever—every participant must be counted for the attempt to qualify for the official record. To help ensure accuracy, the Chamber is strongly encouraging participants to register online before Christmas Day, 2025. Early registrants are also the first to receive the latest event updates and communications.
As an added incentive, everyone who registers before Thanksgiving Day will receive two entries into the “Early Bird” Prize Drawing. Participants who register between Thanksgiving and Christmas Daywill receive one entry. Prizes will be awarded during the post-event ceremony, following the plunge. “Early Bird” registrants must successfully complete the plunge to be eligible to win.
“This year’s event is more than just tradition, it’s about making history,” said Sacha Sanguinetti, Event Coordinator for the Birch Bay Chamber. “We need everyone who plans to plunge to register early so every brave soul is counted toward the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt.” He added that there will be opportunities to register day-of the event, provided that the early registrations don’t exceed the maximum event capacity of 5,000 plungers.
Event Details:
- What: Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge – GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title
- When: January 1, 2026 – Check-in begins at 8:00AM; Plunge at 12:00PM
- Where: Birch Bay Waterfront, Birch Bay, WA
- Registration: Open now at https://birchbaywa.org/birch-bay-polar-bear-plunge/
This event is made possible by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, with additional support provided in part by a Tourism Grant from Whatcom County and a Community Support Grant from Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2.
For more information and to register, visit https://birchbaywa.org/birch-bay-polar-bear-plunge/.
Media Contact:
Sacha Sanguinetti, Event Coordinator
Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce
Phone: (360) 371-5004
Email: sacha@birchbaychamber.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sacha Sanguinetti
Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce
(360) 371-5004 | sacha@birchbaychamber.com
birchbaychamber.com
Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge Aims for World Record on New Year’s Day
Volunteers Needed Now to Help Make History
Birch Bay, WA — August 28, 2025 — Birch Bay’s biggest tradition is about to get even bigger. On January 1, 2026, the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce will attempt a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title during its annual Polar Bear Plunge, and the community is invited to be part of the action.
To pull it off, the Chamber needs 125+ volunteers to handle set up, tear down, registration, merchandise sales, and serve as impartial stewards during the official record attempt.
“Birch Bay’s Polar Bear Plunge has always been about fun and community,” said Sacha Sanguinetti, Event Coordinator for the chamber. “This year, it’s about making history — and we can’t do it without volunteers.”
Sign up to volunteer online at birchbaychamber.com or in person at the Chamber office: 4819 Alderson Rd. #103, Birch Bay.
The Polar Bear Plunge draws myriads of brave swimmers — and thousands of cheering spectators — to the chilly waters of Birch Bay every New Year’s Day. With a world record on the line, 2026 promises to be the most unforgettable plunge yet.
This event is made possible in part by a Tourism Grant from Whatcom County and a Community Support Grant from Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2.
About the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce
The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting community spirit, supporting local businesses, and showcasing Birch Bay as a vibrant year-round destination. Through events, advocacy, and partnerships, the Chamber works to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of the Birch Bay area.
About Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records is the global authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the Guinness World Records book has become an international phenomenon, with record attempts taking place across the globe in every imaginable category. Achieving a Guinness World Record represents not only a unique accomplishment but also an enduring place in history.
About Whatcom County Tourism Grant Program
Whatcom County’s Tourism Grant program invests lodging tax revenues into events and projects that increase tourism and benefit the local economy. These grants help bring visitors to Whatcom County while supporting community events and organizations.
About Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2)
BBBPRD2 is a special purpose district serving the Blaine and Birch Bay community by developing, operating, and maintaining parks, trails, and recreational programs. The district is committed to enhancing quality of life, encouraging healthy activities, and supporting community-focused events.
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CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEERPress Release – For Immediate Release
Birch Bay Aims at GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS(TM) Attempt for Polar Bear Dip
Birch Bay, WA – February 27th, 2025 – The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Blaine Birch Bay Park & Recreation District 2 and Bellingham/Whatcom County Tourism, is thrilled to announce GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS(TM) for the largest Polar Bear Dip. The event will take place on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026, on the stunning shoreline of Birch Bay.
The current world record of 2,461 participants was set in Most, Czech Republic on March 1, 2025. Birch Bay’s 43rd Annual Polar Bear Plunge is expected to draw thousands of participants and spectators, with hopes of shattering the record and making history.
“This world record attempt will be an exciting opportunity to showcase the Birch Bay community, our beautiful shoreline, and all that we have to offer to a myriad of visitors, both new and returning,” said Sacha Sanguinetti, Event Coordinator for the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. “We expext this event, and the publicity it brings, to be an economic boost for the community for years to come.”
“The Polar Bear Plunge world record attempt is a brilliant way for people all over the world to discover the beauty of Birch Bay and Whatcom County and the rich community spirit that makes our area an incredible place to visit year-round,” said Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism President & CEO Dylan Dean-Boyle.
The Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge has Grown steadily in popularity over its 43-year history. The most recent plunge on January 1, 2025, saw an estimated 1600 participants take the icy dip. This year’s record-breaking attempt promises to be the biggest and best yet, featuring live entertainment and activities for all ages.
Having the Guinness World Records brand associated with this event brings global recognition and credibility, emphasizing the significance of the attempt and the achievement itself. The organization is synonymous with extraordinary accomplishments, and its endorsement highlights the importance of this moment for Birch Bay, attracting attention from accross the world.
Registration for this attempt is planned to open on a date TBD this summer. Particiapts are encouraged to register early to secure their spot in history. Community members, visitors, and spectators alike are invited to witness and support this historic moment.
Join us on January 1, 2026, as we make history together!
Media Contact: Sacha Sanguinetti, Event Coordinator
Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce
Email: sacha@birchbaychamber.com
Phone: (360) 371-5004
❓Frequently Asked Questions:
A: UPDATED: The current record is 3,134 participants (Norway – December 2025). To break it we’ll need at least 3,135 brave plungers and hopefully a few more to make history!
The current record is 2,461 participants (Most, Czech Republic – February 2025). To break it, we’ll need at least 2,462 brave plungers—and hopefully thousands more to make history!
A: To meet GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ guidelines, participants will enter the water together as a group, go waist-deep, and stay for a full 60 seconds—no quick dashes in and out this year. It’s still thrilling, just done in a way that counts for the record!
A: No. To count for the record, everyone must enter under a steward’s watch. Each steward manages 100 people and ensures all GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ guidelines are followed.
A: Our tradition has always been the Polar Bear Plunge, but GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ recognizes this type of event as a “Polar Bear Dip.” We’re using their terminology so our record attempt counts. It’s the same exhilarating, icy experience you know and love — just with a chance to make history!
A: For the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt, bathing suits are required. Costumes that could conceal a wet-suit or a dry-suit aren’t allowed in the water, but feel free to dress up for fun before or after the plunge!
A: Yes! Spectators are welcome to cheer on participants and enjoy games, music, and activities at Birch Bay Beach Park. Please note: Beach access is limited to participants, volunteers, and staff, and SPECTATORS MUST STAY OFF THE BERM PLANTINGS!
A: Before the Plunge: If something comes up and you know you can’t make it please let Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce know. It will help us manage registrations and know where we are at to break the record.
During the Plunge: For safety, you may exit at any time. However, to count for the record, participants must stay waist-deep for the full 60 seconds. Leaving early will result in disqualification by your steward.
A: There are lots of lodging options in and around Birch Bay! Our website has lots of options to meet every budget and stay preference: https://birchbaywa.org/lodging/ has you covered.
Semiahmoo event has a special “Stay & Plunge” rate for this event! Click here to book your stay today:
Any age can participate and be counted, as long as they complete the full plunge by entering the water to at least waist-deep.
Parents or legal guardians can register and sign the waiver for anyone under 18 directly on the registration form.
Please note:
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Stewards (official volunteers helping verify the record attempt) must be at least 18 years old.
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Children being carried by an adult and not standing waist-deep on their own will not count toward the record.
We do not encourage bringing your pets to this year’s event. We anticipate large crowds and pets will not be allowed in the plunge zone for safety reasons.
Thanks to Our Sponsors:
We are still looking for sponsors to support this effort. If you would like more information on what sponsorship looks like, please reach out to Event Coordinator, Sacha Sanguinetti via email: sacha@birchbaychamber.com or phone (360) 371-5004