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January 14, 2026 — Birch Bay, WA — Today, the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce received official confirmation from GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ regarding the January 1, 2026 attempt to set the world record for the Largest Polar Bear Dip in Birch Bay. While the event was historic in scale and participation, Guinness has determined that the attempt was unsuccessful.
According to GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™, the determination was based on two primary factors. First, an accurate starting count could not be verified due to non-participants being present within designated plunge zones at the beginning of the attempt. Second, a portion of participants did not fully meet the required guideline of being submerged at least waist-deep for the full duration specified by Guinness.
Despite falling short of the official record, the event achieved its original and most important goal: bringing the Birch Bay community together in celebration while welcoming thousands of new visitors to the bay during the traditionally quiet off-season. On January 1, Birch Bay was filled with energy, community pride, and goodwill as residents, businesses, volunteers, sponsors, and visitors came together for a truly memorable day.
The Birch Bay Polar Bear Dip World Record Attempt was presented by WECU and made possible in part through a Tourism Promotion Grant from Whatcom County and a Community Support Grant from Blaine Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2. Their support, along with that of numerous local partners, volunteers, and first responders, was instrumental in delivering a safe, welcoming, and impactful event.
While the record remains unbroken, the positive economic, tourism, and community impacts of this event will be felt for years to come. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, and supported this effort.
January 1, 2026 will forever be remembered as an historic day in Birch Bay.
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
Thanks to Our Sponsors:
We are currently accepting sponsors for 2026 – Please reach out to Event Coordinator Sacha Sanguinetti via email: sacha@birchbaychamber.com to set up a sponsorship meeting.