2025 Polar Bear Plunge: This time, it’s OK to double dip

Check out photos from the plunge.

By Bailey Josie • January 8, 2025 4:30 pm

For the 2025 Polar Bear Plunge, the City of Renton decided to have a double dose of icy water.

At 10 a.m. Jan. 1, honorary polar bears were invited to kick off the new year at Gene Coulon Beach Park. Sponsored by Soak & Sage, the first event had water at a temperature at 49 degrees Fahrenheit at the southern tip of Lake Washington. Bold families and individuals made their way to water’s edge and rushed into the cold water, with some even taking the time to swim around the designated swimming area.

Two hours later at Henry Moses Aquatic Center — where the water was one degree colder — more polar bears took a dip into the chilly pool water before being offered some free Ivar’s clam chowder and Starbucks hot chocolate, which the earlier crowd was also treated to.