On January 1, 2026, thousands of chilly thrill-seekers gathered along the Birch Bay waterfront in Washington state in a spirited bid to break the Guinness World Record™ for the largest polar bear dip a bold plunge into frigid waters to kick off the new year together.
Organised by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce as part of the community’s long-running New Year’s Day tradition, this year’s event aimed to surpass the existing world record of 3,134 participants, recently set in Norway. Participants were required to wear swimsuits and shoes, enter the water together, remain waist-deep for at least one minute, then exit on cue all guidelines set by Guinness World Records.
By late morning, the beach was packed with people of all ages from toddlers to seniors wrapped in towels, robes and sweatshirts as they awaited their turn. The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the siren signalled the official plunge into icy waters, drawing cheers and laughter despite bone-chilling temperatures.
Local residents and visitors alike said they were in Birch Bay both for the historic moment and to share in the community spirit. “It’s a great way to bring in the new year,” one participant said, reflecting a sense of collective excitement.
While thousands registered and flooded into the bay, officials continued verifying whether the turnout will top the current polar bear dip world record. Final results were still pending certification following Thursday’s attempt.
