Polar Bear Plunge splashes Edmonds into new year

EDMONDS — Some tried to ease into the bone-chilling water but most rushed in, plunged under and popped out.

Whatever their method, there was no getting around the obvious: Puget Sound was cold on the first day of 2014.

Shivering, laughing, smiling and high-fiving, the Polar Bear Plunge participants jumped into the new year with gusto.

“I think it’s symbolic. It’s a new year and a time to try to do new things. It’s a good way to start off,” said Preston Long, 15. Though the water was warmer than he thought it would be, his feet were numb by the time he returned to the beach for a towel.

The Edmonds teen and his mom both took the plunge into the frigid waters near Brackett’s Landing, just north of the ferry dock. The area is home to one of the busiest underwater dive parks on the West Coast. On Wednesday, bathrobe-clad thrill-seekers took over the beach.

The plunge is sponsored by the Edmonds Uplift Society, a drinking club operated out of Daphne’s Bar in downtown. Bar owner Brian Taylor started the event in 2008. He’d participated in New Year’s Day dips off Coney Island in New York. He thought it was a tradition worth sharing in Edmonds.

“This is a great town of people to do this with us,” said Louise Favier, co-owner of the bar.

On Wednesday, Uplift Society members started at the bar with big beers and a round of “God Bless America.” Most wore white, terrycloth bathrobes as they paraded down the street toward the park.

Members pay to have their robes embroidered with the year they make the plunge. Some of the money is donated to the Edmonds Historical Society.

Favier said the event has grown over the years with people from all over joining the fun.

About 50 or so people lined up side by side on the beach. Dozens more stood back, watching and cheering from warmer vantage points.

A whistle signaled the start. There was a collective scream as feet hit the water. There is only one rule: a real plunge means getting wet at least up to the neck.

“It’s just a good whacky way to start the new year,” Ruth Arista said.

The Edmonds woman dove in and out without pause. “It’s best just to get it over with,” she said.

Fellow Uplift Society member Mollie Boyce agreed. “You just need an attitude for fun,” Boyce said.

Wednesday marked Doug MacDonald’s third plunge. He was joined by his son Aidan, 6, and his daughter Maceana, 8.

Aidan’s teeth were still chattering as the Edmonds family posed for a picture to capture the moment.

Maceana had one word for her time in the water — “freezing.”

“It’s a great memory for us,” MacDonald said. “It’s also a good way to flush out any negativity and start fresh. What better way to begin the new year than by feeling completely alive, and in a little pain.”

Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

A firefighter stands in silence before a panel bearing the names of L. John Regelbrugge and Kris Regelbrugge during the ten-year remembrance of the Oso landslide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
‘Flood of emotions’ as Oso Landslide Memorial opens on 10th anniversary

Friends, family and first responders held a moment of silence at 10:37 a.m. at the new 2-acre memorial off Highway 530.

Julie Petersen poses for a photo with images of her sister Christina Jefferds and Jefferds’ grand daughter Sanoah Violet Huestis next to a memorial for Sanoah at her home on March 20, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. Peterson wears her sister’s favorite color and one of her bangles. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
‘It just all came down’: An oral history of the Oso mudslide

Ten years later, The Daily Herald spoke with dozens of people — first responders, family, survivors — touched by the deadliest slide in U.S. history.

Victims of the Oso mudslide on March 22, 2014. (Courtesy photos)
Remembering the 43 lives lost in the Oso mudslide

The slide wiped out a neighborhood along Highway 530 in 2014. “Even though you feel like you’re alone in your grief, you’re really not.”

Director Lucia Schmit, right, and Deputy Director Dara Salmon inside the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management on Friday, March 8, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
How Oso slide changed local emergency response ‘on virtually every level’

“In a decade, we have just really, really advanced,” through hard-earned lessons applied to the pandemic, floods and opioids.

Ron and Gail Thompson at their home on Monday, March 4, 2024 in Oso, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
In shadow of scarred Oso hillside, mudslide’s wounds still feel fresh

Locals reflected on living with grief and finding meaning in the wake of a catastrophe “nothing like you can ever imagine” in 2014.

Everett mall renderings from Brixton Capital. (Photo provided by the City of Everett)
Topgolf at the Everett Mall? Mayor’s hint still unconfirmed

After Cassie Franklin’s annual address, rumors circled about what “top” entertainment tenant could be landing at Everett Mall.

Everett
Everett man sentenced to 3 years of probation for mutilating animals

In 2022, neighbors reported Blayne Perez, 35, was shooting and torturing wildlife in north Everett.

Dorothy Crossman rides up on her bike to turn in her ballot  on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett leaders plan to ask voters for property tax increase

City officials will spend weeks hammering out details of a ballot measure, as Everett faces a $12.6 million deficit.

Starbucks employee Zach Gabelein outside of the Mill Creek location where he works on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 in Mill Creek, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mill Creek Starbucks votes 21-1 to form union

“We obviously are kind of on the high of that win,” store bargaining delegate Zach Gabelein said.

Lynnwood police respond to a collision on highway 99 at 176 street SW. (Photo provided by Lynnwood Police)
Police: Teen in stolen car flees cops, causes crash in Lynnwood

The crash blocked traffic for over an hour at 176th Street SW. The boy, 16, was arrested on felony warrants.

The view of Mountain Loop Mine out the window of a second floor classroom at Fairmount Elementary on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
County: Everett mining yard violated order to halt work next to school

At least 10 reports accused OMA Construction of violating a stop-work order next to Fairmount Elementary. A judge will hear the case.

Imagine Children's Museum's incoming CEO, Elizabeth "Elee" Wood. (Photo provided by Imagine Children's Museum)
Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett to welcome new CEO

Nancy Johnson, who has led Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett for 25 years, will retire in June.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.