Polar Bear Plunge

7TH ANNUAL POLAR BEAR PLUNGE

Thursday, January 1st 2009 at Noon
Matthews Beach Park
Entrance Is At The Corner Of NE 93rd St And Sand Point Way NE

1. Dress Up In Your Swim Suit, Costumes Add The Whimsy
2. Jump In at Noon
3. Enjoy A Hot Beverage/Warm Up
4. Sign Our Online Memory Book
5. Receive The Official 2009 Polar Bear Plunge Patch (cold badge o courage)
6. "New" "Polar Cub Club"- a special time just before the "Polar Bears" for younger folks or people needing a little more room

1. Come Early/Car Pool Or Take The Bus. Parking Is Limited. Plan your trip with Metro Trip Planner
2. Anyone with heart problems, consult your health care provider, and if you don't participate, join us and watch
3. Do Not Drink. Alcohol Does Not Warm You Up. It Accelerates Hypothermia
4. Do Not Stay In The Water Longer Than 15 Minutes. Body Heat Is Lost 25 Times Faster In The Water Than In Air
5. Do Not Remove Your Clothing Until Swim Time And Remove Wet Clothing Before Getting Back Into Dry Clothes

History

The Polar Bear Plunge was the first official event of its kind in the Seattle area. Janet Wilson, Aquatic Center Coordinator at Meadowbrook Pool, started the event off on January 1, 2003. About 300 people participated in the first Polar Bear Plunge; since then the attendance has reached nearly 1,000 brave bears. The plunge has inspired other, similar events in the Seattle Area. At this family event, wear a costume, enjoy warm beverages, and receive a Patch of Courage if you immerse yourself.

Said one Parks wag, Tim Ewings, "Plungers are 'polarized' towards two styles. Some luxuriate in the refreshingly brisk waters. Others stay in as long as they can 'bear' it."