Imagine diving into a shower of freezing water–that’s how it feels to participate in a polar bear plunge. The polar bear plunge is an annual winter tradition, usually done in natural bodies of water such as lakes, oceans, or ponds. Many people do it to ring in the new year, whether it’s sprinting into the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean or watching friends and family get drenched.
Many community organizations schedule polar plunges as a charity fundraiser, to raise funds for projects in need.
The Special Olympics Oregon Polar Plunge is a charity plunge that takes place all around Oregon. They plunge in cities like Eugene, Corvallis, Salem, and Medford. They are raising money for the Special Olympics athletes of Oregon. More information on these plunges can be found on the Special Olympics Oregon website.
For those who prefer to enjoy sweet treats alongside their plunge, on January 17th, Lincoln City hosts a plunge into Siletz Bay. The plunge is located at Taft Bayfront Park, near Mo’s restaurant. This event provides participants with hot chocolate, sweets, and pastries by a blazing bonfire afterward. The plunge begins at 10 and is free to participate in.
On January 1st, the Oregon Bay Area’s community members go running into the icy waters of Sunset Bay, located near Charleston. This is the event for people who want to welcome the new year with a chilly dip in the Pacific. Plungers sprint into the water at precisely 9 a.m. Plan to bring dry clothes and a warm towel for after the plunge.
“The hot shower afterwards is my favorite memory,” says Anani Chavez, a community member who plunged at Sunset Bay three consecutive years.
Recently, many beaches in Oregon enforced parking fees at their beaches, Sunset Bay being one of the few. While it does not appear that the parking fees are enforced at Sunset Bay yet, it is likely that may change in the near future.
“Probably people are not going to do it as much,” says Chavez. “People won’t want to pay to go get in the cold ocean.”
The plunge was previously free to all, but due to the beach fees, citizens who drive a vehicle will not be able to park at the beach for free. There is a charge of $10 to use the provided parking spots. Luckily, walking and biking are completely free.
Doing a polar plunge can be very dangerous if done alone or incorrectly.
“My sister got out of the water, and she was in shock,” says Zechariah Lake, a sophomore at MHS. “She couldn’t move for seconds.”
It is advised by the American Red Cross that the plunge is short and that you dry off and warm up immediately. Do not stay in the water for over 15 minutes unless trained. It is very important to plunge with others because if an emergency were to happen, there would be someone to contact emergency services. Overall, the polar plunge is fairly safe if done correctly. Most people don’t want to plunge alone–bringing family and friends is part of the joy.
Although the plunge can be considered dangerous, there can be many health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, the polar bear plunge can reduce muscle inflammation and soreness, and even improve one’s mood and focus. The polar bear plunge is not recommended for people with cardiovascular health problems or other conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
“My favorite memory of doing the plunge is probably going as a group with my friends,” said MHS sophomore Clayton Mill, who loves plunging with grandma and his mom.
Plunging into the icy water for the first time can be a nerve-racking experience, but experienced enthusiasts have wisdom to lean on.
“You get kind of nervous at first because you’re going to be running into freezing, cold water,” says Mill. “But when you’re in it, your body quickly gets used to it. Then, when you get out, it feels nice to be out of the water.”
While some may start with a brief toe-dip before entering the water, others say there’s only one way to do it correctly.
“Don’t hesitate,” says Chavez. “Just go for it. When you’re running through the water, don’t stop.”
It’s a common tradition to do a polar bear plunge to kick off the new year, to reinstill the feeling of being alive.
“It represents renewal,” says Mill. “And a fresh start for the new year.”
