The beginning of 2019 will be a rude but exhilarating awakening for those hardy souls who plunge into cold waters during a Polar Bear Dip on New Year’s Day.
The water along the North Olympic Peninsula between the West End and Port Townsend averages 44 to 45 degrees in January, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Centers for Environmental Information, but participants will be able to warm up with other adventurers after they venture into the chilly sea.
If you’re among those who want to begin the year with a splash, here are events scheduled nearby Tuesday.
Port Angeles
In Port Angeles, New Year’s Day dippers can go to Hollywood Beach at 10 a.m. Tuesday for “Freezin’ for a Reason,” the 31st annual Polar Bear Dip.
Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County (VHOCC) and Red Lion invite participants and spectators to donate to VHOCC, which provides services to those with terminal diseases free of charge.
Astrid Raffinpeyloz, volunteer services manager with VHOCC, urged participants to keep in mind a health advisory issued Friday by the Environmental Health Section of Clallam County Health & Human Services.
The county department said that moderate levels of enterococci bacteria had been detected in the waters off Hollywood Beach.
“Those who plan to participate in the Polar Bear Dip should take precautions to protect their eyes, nose, mouth and any open wounds,” the department said in the news release.
Enterococci bacteria are commonly found in the intestinal tract of mammals and birds and are used as an indicator of water quality. Contact with contaminated waters could lead to gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. Children and the elderly might be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses, the release said.
“Do not go in the water if you have an open wound and do not duck your head under to avoid getting water in your eyes, nose or mouth,” Raffinpeyloz said in a news release issued Saturday.
She added that organizers of the event or VHOCC cannot be held responsible if participants become ill.
She encouraged people “to come whether they jump in or not.”
Both participants and spectators can visit the VHOCC booth to learn more about the many volunteer opportunities or to make a tax-deductible donation.
Since 1988, when the Olympic Peninsula Runners Club inaugurated the dip, the number of participants has climbed from three to 100 at the beach at Lincoln Street and Railroad Avenue.
Hundreds of spectators warm themselves by the bonfire while cheering on the dippers, who have ranged in age from 4 to 85.
Volunteers will be on-site with complimentary warm beverages.
Call Dan Welden at 360-477-2586 for more information.
Nordland
The Nordland General Store on Marrowstone Island will host its 25th annual Polar Bear Dip at noon Tuesday.
Brave souls are invited to join organizers at the dock across from the landmark store at 7180 Flagler Road.
Store owner Tom Rose said he expects about 120 people.
All are welcome and there is no fee.
The store will have commemorative shirts and hats available for purchase.
Lake Pleasant
The New Year’s Day polar plunge at Lake Pleasant is slated for 10 a.m. at the Lake Pleasant boat launch in the West End.
The launch is at 10 Picnic Loop in Beaver.
Organizers said the plunge or dip at Lake Pleasant is usually over in a matter of minutes.
Hama Hama
Down the Hood Canal in Mason County, Hama Hama Oysters will bring back its Polar Bear Dip, which has been gone from the area for a few years, at noon Tuesday at 35846 U.S. Highway 101.
Entrants will pay $20 for the dip and a polar plunge party. Included in the ticket price are half-dozen oysters — raw or grilled — and hot, non-alcoholic drinks.
Additional oysters will be available for purchase, as well as mulled wine and beer and Yodelin Broth.
All proceeds go to support a man who has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
For more information, go to www.hamahamaoysters.com/products/polar-plunge-party.
