The annual Three Tree Point Polar Bear Plunge held on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025 brought community members together to brave icy waters and celebrate the New Year with cold-weather courage and camaraderie.
Held under clear but chilly 42-degree skies, the local tradition featured seasoned plungers, first-timers, and a lively crowd of spectators cheering them on.
Winner Ginger Harris Wore a “Dead Salmon Hat”
Participants lined up at Noon to take the plunge into Puget Sound at the Three Tree Point South Beach, some dressed in elaborate costumes.
Ginger Harris, a first-time participant from Normandy Park who donned an Orca Whale costume complete with a “dead salmon hat,” was crowned the 2025 winner. If you haven’t yet heard, Orcas from Puget Sound’s J-Pod have been seen wearing dead salmon on their heads, like hats.
Last year’s winner Joe Hauser presented the coveted Polar Bear Plunge trophy to Harris, who did quite well for her first-ever plunge.
“I thought, ‘Go big or go home,’” Harris said after her frosty dip. “It was freezing, but I’m so glad I did it.”
Community and Continuity
The Polar Bear Plunge is more than just a frosty dip though – it’s a celebration of B-Town community.
New event host Martin Otterson, who instructed the crowd, conducted the countdown and led plungers into the water, described it as “a time for family and friends to reunite, cleanse the soul, and kick off the year with something memorable.”
For sisters Christina and Sheila, the plunge marked their 30th year participating.
“Every year we say, ‘No, it’s too cold,’ but every year we end up here,” Christina said. “We’ve done this in snow, rain, and even sunshine.”
Third-time plunger Mark, a transplant from Hawaii who plunged with his young daughter, agreed.
“It’s cold, but what a great way to start the year,” he said. “Aloha!”
Looking Ahead
As tradition dictates, the current champion is tasked with returning next year to pass on the trophy, keeping the spirit of friendly competition alive. Harris, who now holds the Polar Bear Award, vowed to return.
“Wear your costumes, come prepared, and let’s do this!” she said about next year’s Jan. 1, 2026 plunge.
The Three Tree Point Polar Bear Plunge continues to be a cherished annual event, uniting the community with shared bravery, laughter, and the promise of another frosty, fun adventure every New Year’s Day.
Video
Below is video of the plunge, as filmed/edited by Daniel Jones:
Are the “hosts” the owners of the private property that everyone’s gathering at, or is that public land?