NOTE: “Today” and “tonight” refer to Friday, Jan. 1.
Whether faced with snow, sleet, rain, sun or wind, hundreds of people will leap into 2016 with a shocking wake-up call at four North Olympic Peninsula beaches.
Each year, tens of thousands of people in the Northern Hemisphere make the polar bear plunge the first thing they do for the year — jumping into the nearest body of cold water in swimsuits, costumes or just regular clothing.
“It’s a chance to wash off the old and come out clean,” said June Williams, who founded a polar bear plunge in Neah Bay in 2001.
Three plunges are planned today in Clallam County and one in Jefferson County.
The annual leap into Mystery Bay at the Nordland General Store on Marrowstone Island in Jefferson County is the largest on the Peninsula, typically drawing 100 to 200 people.
In Clallam County, about 100 people are expected to take the plunge into Port Angeles Harbor at Hollywood Beach, with about the same number coming out just to watch.
Smaller community events will take place at Neah Bay and at Lake Pleasant near Forks.
The air temperature is expected to be between 35 and 40 degrees Friday, and fog is expected, according to the National Weather Service.
The water temperature is expected to be about 48 degrees.
Port Angeles
The 28th annual Port Angeles Polar Bear Plunge is planned for 10 a.m. at Hollywood Beach near City Pier. Parking is in the city lot at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and Lincoln Street.
Each year, participants begin gathering at the beach at about 9 a.m. to build bonfires to stay warm before they go into the water — and to warm up after their dip — and enjoy pastries and coffee.
The beach is clean and the water is clear this year, without the all-too-common seaweed, said Dan Welden, an organizer.
“We have room for a lot of people,” Welden said.
Hospice volunteers will provide a booth offering hot beverages and pastries for the cost of a donation.
Rules call for each polar bear dipper to submerge himself or herself, with no wetsuits to shield participants from the cold.
Costumes, swimsuits or regular clothes are welcome.
The Polar Bear Challenge will benefit Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County.
Participants in the plunge are not required to be a part of the challenge.
Individuals and organizations challenged others to make the plunge — and pledged a dollar amount to make the challenge.
If the challenged person or business accepted, challengers donate that amount to the agency that provides free care for eligible terminally ill and their families.
It was not known Wednesday how many challenge participants there were or how much has been pledged.
“We don’t tabulate anything until after the plunge,” Welden said.
To issue a challenge or for more information, stop by the hospice office, 540 E. Eighth St., for a brochure or phone 360-457-8133.
Forks plunge
The ninth annual Lake Pleasant Polar Bear Plunge near Forks also will begin at 10 a.m.
“It’s really invigorating. After I dry off, I’m going, going, going,” said Carin Hirsch, an organizer and the mother of the plunge founder, Sonja Hirsch, who has since moved to Seattle to start a family.
“It’s only cold for a minute,” Hirsch said.
Weather conditions for the cold dip have ranged from rain to snow and crystal-blue skies, she said.
Hirsch said that one year, the group had to walk through several inches of snow and break through a layer of ice to get to the water.
“I think that’s why some people never came back,” she said.
There has been a range of seven to 30 participants each year taking part in the Lake Pleasant plunge.
Neah Bay dip
The 15th annual Neah Bay Polar Bear Dip will take place at noon at Front Beach on Bayview Avenue near the senior citizens building.
Williams founded the event in 2001 when she was on oxygen for health issues and, in a discussion with a friend, wondered why anyone would want to jump in the water in the winter.
The idea grew on her, and eventually she found herself organizing the very first Polar Bear Dip in Neah Bay.
“I had nothing to lose,” she said.
Williams said the first jump was shocking but cathartic.
“I got better every year after that,” she said.
About 20 others join her in the dip each year.
Those who complete their dip to the satisfaction of Neah Bay Polar Bear Club veterans will receive certificates commemorating their chilly achievement.
The only requirement for the cold dousing is for swimmers to get their hair wet, whatever contortions that requires.
After the plunge, participants typically celebrate with hot soup, cocoa and games,Williams said.
The location of the after-dip party had not yet been selected Wednesday.
Mystery Bay plunge
Attendance at the 22nd annual Mystery Bay Polar Bear Plunge is like a flash mob, according to Nordland General Store owner Tom Rose, who founded and organizes the event.
“There’s no one here, then at about 11:30 a.m., everyone shows up,” Rose said.
He said it takes about a half-hour to 45 minutes for everyone to take their turn.
There’s chili and beer served after the jump, “then everyone is gone,” he said.
The plunge takes place from the dock across from the store at 7180 Flagler Road.
Plunge participants begin to gather about 11 a.m., and the polar bears begin their leap from the store’s dock at noon.
The number of jumpers is often exceeded by onlookers, he said.
Tuba and accordion music is expected before the plunge.
Personnel from East Jefferson Fire-Rescue, the Coast Guard and Vessel Assist usually attend the plunge to provide medical assistance if needed. Such assistance has never been needed.
Attendees can park along Flagler Road, although they might have to walk a short distance to get to the action.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arice@peninsuladailynews.com.
