The New Year’s Day polar plunge in Brigantine draws thousands of participants and spectators, but it started with a couple of friends daring themselves to jump into the ocean. That’s how Augie Peltonen recalls that first Jan.

Celebrate 2025 with a Polar Bear Plunge at two locations in the Bakersfield area. Community members can go down to the activity pool at the McMurtrey Aquatic Center to slide down the slide into the icy water and then swim 25 yards.

Cold plunge enthusiasts point to heart benefits as well. When plunged into frigid water, the body constricts blood flow to the core. Then the blood pumps back out through arteries and veins when exposed to warmth. (Note: Cold plunges are not generally recommended for people with heart conditions or other medical conditions.)

A casual comment at a scout meeting turned into a local tradition that is celebrating more than two decades as a fun community event.

It’s time to dive into the New Year during the 18th annual Polar Bear Plunge, hosted by The Edmonds Uplift Society at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1. The event