Crowds of costumed crazies take a slightly less freezing plunge in Seattle to mark 2024
Brave Seattleites jumped into Lake Washington on New Year's Day for the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Organizers estimated about 2,000 people crowded Matthews Beach in North Seattle.
A large mob wearing swimsuits and costumes gathered along the shoreline of Lake Washington at Matthews Beach Park Monday just before noon.
Bryan Johnson wears a crab hat. His son, Soren, dresses as a hot dog. The duo has participated in Seattle's annual Polar Bear Plunge for almost 10 years.
"It's fun being part of 'a thing,'" Bryan Johnson said.
The water temperature Monday in Lake Washington was 47.6 degrees — a little warmer than the average 45 degrees.
"It's going to be bath water," Johnson said. "It's not bad; it's not nearly as cold as people expect it to be."
Soren said part of the fun is dressing up. In past years he has dressed as a penguin and a taco. This year is the first time he has taken the plunge as a hot dog.
Some participants used their costumes as a way to fight the cold.
"I like to actually cheat and wear nice warm clothes," Mike Rigler said. He dressed as a Mexican wrestler. His mask is made out of felt, and he wears a cape. He said that's the key to staying warm in the water.
"It's tradition, it's part of the New Year's ritual," Mike Rigler said. "It's how I mark the fact that a year has gone by. It also get's me going in the new year instead of sleeping in. I get off to a cold start."
As the countdown began over the loudspeaker, the crowd hooped and hollered. "10...9....8..." The Johnsons and Riglers were in the front, at the water's edge. "7...6...5..." The tension was palpable. "4... 3... 2....1!" Bryan and Soren and his friends ran into the water with big smiles on their faces, as screams and yells filled the air around them.
As soon as people completed "the mission" to get neck deep in the water, many ran back to shore. Others waded in the shallows.
Once on shore, plungers claimed their prize — a cup of hot cocoa and their commemorative badge of courage. It's an iron patch with the words "Chillin in 2024" embroidered next to a polar bear enjoying the water.
Health officials say if you decide to take a delayed dip in a lake or the Puget Sound be cautious of hypothermia. Be prepared by getting out of your wet swimsuit immediately once on shore, and change into some warm clothes.
Renton moved their annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge inside, to the Henry Moses Aquatic Center. That's because potentially toxic algae was discovered in Lake Washington. However, the lake was declared safe before the plunge.
Seattle and King County health officials ask you to always check for toxic algae levels before taking a dip. Be sure to take extra caution with your pets, don't let them drink the water or come into contact with it, as the algae is potentially deadly. If you are in doubt, stay out.
