The annual Alki Beach Polar Bear Swim will be held this Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, starting at 10 a.m. sharp, and another is planned later in Burien.

Why not do both plunges? It’s feasible, as one starts at 10 a.m. and the other at Noon.

“We will go in the water at 10:00 a.m. sharp, so don’t be late,” organizer Mark Ufkes said regarding the Alki event.

According to Washington State regulations, there will be three simple requirements:

    • Adults must be vaccinated and boostered for Covid 19.
    • Everyone must wear a mask.
    • You and your group must be Covid-free, be in good health, and distance yourselves 6 feet from others while on the beach.

For over 15 years, the Alki Beach Polar Bear Swim has been about “washing away the complexities of the previous year and bathing in the unlimited possibilities that the New Year provides”. All while pushing us all out of our comfort zone. Prior to Covid, we had over 700+ swimmers. In 2022, we need this event more than ever.

So, go over the three simple requirements listed above. Bring a large, warm towel, a coat to put on after you get out of the water, good water shoes, and your hopes and dreams for a spectacular 2022. Holding hands and wearing bright colors as you go into the water also seems to help.

Here’s more from organizers Mark Ufkes and Lois Schipper:

I wear Goodwill pink every year, to celebrate the day in the not-to-distant future when over 50% of our Members of Congress will be women and/or People of Color. Imagine the message that would send to the world and how much more empathy we will have in our national governance.

When you arrive, you’ll see the gathering madness across from Dukes. Stay in your group of family and friends, spread out down quarter-mile Alki Beach, and allow six feet between your group and your Polar Bear neighbors to your left and right.

Just before 10:00 am, you will hear the megaphone countdown begin; 10, 9, 8 . . .

At “one “ in the countdown, we all run, screaming like the children we are, into 47 degree Puget Sound. The water will be warmer than the air this year, so it will be much more pleasant that one might expect. The mild insanity is really quite fun, and we are in and out of the water so fast that we barely get goosebumps. And like everything in life, your attitude, and belief in yourself, will keep you warm and successful.

– Mark Ufkes and Lois Schipper
Ufkes-Schipper Family Motto: Don’t Let your Children Grow up Without You!

THREE TREE POINT POLAR BEAR PLUNGE AT NOON
Another plunge is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, this time starting at Noon at Burien’s Three Tree Point.

This event will be held at the south beach in Three Tree Point (map below) at Noon, and as usual will involve a costume contest.

Participants are strongly encouraged to practice COVID-19 safety protocols, including wearing masks, staying in small groups and spreading out responsibly.

Other precautions include wearing some kind of footwear to protect your soles from sharp rocks and shells, bringing big towels or blankets for afterwards, as well as plenty of courage and joy.

Weather forecast for New Year’s Day is:

“Snow likely, possibly mixed with rain, mainly after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 38.”

For more info, click here.

Three Tree Point’s south beach is located at the intersection of Maplewild Ave SW and SW 172nd Street (be sure to get there early though as parking is limited):