Dozens of hardy participants kicked off the New Year by plunging into the frigid waters of Puget Sound at the annual Three Tree Point Polar Bear Plunge Thursday in Burien.
The event drew community members to the south beach at where Maplewild Ave SW meets SW 172nd Street at Noon on Jan. 1, 2026, where joyous participants braved cold weather and icy water for tradition and fun.
The plunge included a costume contest, which was won by adventurous B-Towner Mark Foster, dressed as Poseidon, the powerful ancient Greek Olympian god of the sea, earthquakes, storms, and horses, known for his violent temper (which luckily didn’t show today as he kept the waters calm). Foster, who must return next year, was awarded the coveted trophy by last year’s winner Ginger ‘Orca’ Harris, and the event was emceed by previous winner Joe Hauser.
This was reportedly the 30th year this event has taken place – regardless of weather conditions – as a true neighborhood, grass roots tradition.
Video
Below is our raw, live footage of this fun-filled event (running time 20-minutes, 19-seconds):
