« All Events

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Attempt: Largest Polar Bear Dip – Birch Bay

January 1, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm PST
999b8057fc18c08d04dc57eebb0efd82
Make history on Jan 1, 2026! Join thousands in Birch Bay as we attempt the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Largest Polar Bear Dip!

Make History as Birch Bay attempts the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Largest Polar Bear Dip!

Where: Birch Bay Beach Park, 7930 Birch Bay Drive, WA

Dip Location: Along Birch Bay Drive, from Birch Bay Vogt Library Express to Bay Breeze Restaurant

Event Timeline:

8:00 – 11:00 AM | Registration & Fun

  • On-site check-in for pre-registered participants
  • T-shirts & sweatshirt pre-order pickup
  • Warm up in the Warming Tent
  • Games, activities, and music to get you pumped

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Final Prep

  • Head to the beach
  • Check in with your steward for rules and instructions

12:00 PM SHARP | The Record Attempt

  • Enter the water together, waist-deep
  • Hold for 60 seconds under staff direction
  • Up to two additional attempts if needed
  • Follow staff instructions back to Birch Bay Beach Park

12:15 – 2:00 PM | Celebration

  • Dry off and warm up with hot cocoa in the tent
  • Music and refreshments
  • Short ceremony if we break the record
  • Certificates for all participants

This year, it’s not just a plunge—it’s a chance to make history!

Hosted by:

The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce

Presented by:

WECU

Sponsored by:

Whatcom County & Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism

Blaine Birch Bay Park & Recreation District 2

bp Cherry Point

Silver Reef Casino Resort

Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery

Sahara Pizza

Semiahmoo

Birch Bay Bike Shop

Partners:

Friends of Birch Bay Library & WCLS

The Beach Bar

Beach Cat Brewing Co.

Birch Bay Waterslides

North Bay Community Church

Christ the King Community Church

Support Sponsors:

The Northern Light – Blaine & Birch Bay’s Community Newspaper

WRS

Pacific Multisports

Berzenji Productions & Media

Also Sponsored by:

Birch Bay Realty

Proliance Surgery Partners

I Love Cottages

MC Portables

Bob’s Burger & Brew

The Vault Wine Bar & Bistro

Outer Island Excursions

JoEll Snyder – REMAX

Dream Maintenance & Management

Billy Brown – Windermere

Birch Bay Carts and Rentals

Lisa Sprague – Windermere Realty

Birch Bay Water & Sewer District

Berry Appraisals

Kelly’s Upscale Puppy

Dave Hiller – Exp Realty

Banner Bank

Ball Bayview RV Resort and Campground

Pacific Building Center

Details

Organizer

Venue