Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Announces Prize Drawing for Early Bird Registration for GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Attempt

Birch Bay is making a splash this New Year’s Day with a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title attempt for the largest Polar Bear Dip during the annual Polar Bear Plunge! On January 1, 2026, thousands are expected to rush into the icy waters of Birch Bay in celebration of the New Year and the chance to be part of history.

The current record to beat is 2,461 people, set in Most, Czech Republic, in March 2025.

Early registration is more important than ever—every participant must be counted for the attempt to qualify for the official record. To help ensure accuracy, the Chamber is strongly encouraging participants to register online before Christmas Day, 2025. Early registrants are also the first to receive the latest event updates and communications.

As an added incentive, everyone who registers before Thanksgiving Day will receive two entries into the “Early Bird” Prize Drawing. Participants who register between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day will receive one entry. Prizes will be awarded during the post-event ceremony, following the plunge. “Early Bird” registrants must successfully complete the plunge to be eligible to win.

“This year’s event is more than just tradition, it’s about making history,” said Sacha Sanguinetti, Event Coordinator for the Birch Bay Chamber. “We need everyone who plans to plunge to register early so every brave soul is counted toward the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt.” He added that there will be opportunities to register day-of the event, provided that the early registrations don’t exceed the maximum event capacity of 5,000 plungers.

Event Details:

What: Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge – GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title
When: January 1, 2026 – Check-in begins at 8:00AM; Plunge at 12:00PM
Where: Birch Bay Waterfront, Birch Bay, WA
Registration: Open now at https://birchbaywa.org/birch-bay-polar-bear-plunge/

This event is made possible by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, with additional support provided in part by a Tourism Grant from Whatcom County and a Community Support Grant from Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2.

For more information and to register, visit https://birchbaywa.org/birch-bay-polar-bear-plunge/.