PORT ANGELES — Those looking to dive, jump or wade into chilly waters this New Year’s Day will have plenty of company as several Polar Bear Plunge events are scheduled across the Olympic Peninsula.
The Polar Bear Plunge is an annual tradition — often celebrated on New Year’s Day — where participants submerge themselves in cold bodies of water in the middle of winter.
Port Angeles
The polar bear plunge at Hollywood Beach in front of the Red Lion Hotel is entering its 36th year, and this year portable saunas will be available to warm swimmers up.
“We jump in at 10 (a.m.), we’re all pretty much done by 10:15 (a.m.), said Dan Welden, organizer of the event. “We have a bonfire there to get warmed up with and we have certificates of achievement for everyone that goes in.”
The Port Angeles plunge doubles as a charity event for Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County (VHOCC) which will have a booth where people can make donations or sign up to volunteer, Welden said. Hand-knitted hats and other items will be available to those who make a donation.
This will be the 14th year the event has been to support VHOCC. The number of participants dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year Welden said he expects about 150 people to show up.
The Red Lion Hotel will provide hot drinks while Sequim-based vegetarian food company Vegetari will provide vegetarian comfort foods.
For the first time, portable saunas will be available, thanks to Seatsu Saunas of Blyn, which will have two of their units on the site for use.
“It looks like the weather’s going to be good,” Welden said. “In the 35 years of the event, we’ve never been rained on.”
The National Weather Service is forecasting slight showers for New Year’s Day with highs of 47 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lake Pleasant
A plunge at Lake Pleasant is scheduled for 10 a.m. from the boat launch at Lake Pleasant Community Beach Park.
The event is sponsored by the Beaver Grocery Storem which will provide a warming tent and offer hot drinks.
Port Townsend
In Port Townsend, plungers will meet at the kitchen shelter at Fort Worden Beach at 11 a.m. with hot drinks provided for donations by Jumping Mouse Children’s Center.
Organizers suggest bringing a warm hat, a towel and cozy clothes to change into and money for hot refreshments.
Nordland
On Marrowstone Island, plungers will jump off the Nordland General Store Dock at noon. Tom Rose, former owner of the Nordland General Store, said less people have shown up in the years since a fire closed the store but he was still expecting a good turnout.
“This year is probably going to be even better,” Rose said.
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Reporter Peter Segall can be reached at peter.segall@peninsula dailynews.com.
