After a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the annual Polar Bear Swim returns to the City of Santa Monica’s Annenberg Community Beach House on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Pre-registration is now open.
This unique Santa Monica event for all ages kicks off 2022 with a plunge into the Pacific Ocean and a 300-yard swim around a buoy and continues with access to the Annenberg Community Beach House heated pool and amenities. Check-in is at 9 a.m. at the Guest Services office, followed by a short walk to the shoreline with the first plunge for youth at 9:15 a.m. All other ages to follow.
The Polar Bear Swim is a no-judgment zone; participants can choose to stick their toes in the ocean, take a quick dip, or take a swim around the buoy. Attendees are invited to take photos with event mascot Pat the Polar Bear.
Registration includes admission to the Annenberg Community Beach House heated pool and hot showers as well as hot chocolate on the pool deck. Regular pool rules apply while at this event. Youth under the age of eight and under four feet tall must be accompanied by an adult in the pool at all times.
Pre-registration is available online (https://apm.activecommunities.com/santamonicarecreation/Activity_Search/4th-annual-polar-bear-swim-at-the-beach-house/85404) at Polar Bear Swim 2022. In-person registration will be available though may be limited on the day of the event.
A donation drive for small kitchen and bathroom items to support the City’s 100 HOMES Initiative will also be part of the day. Attendees are invited to bring new and unused items like sponges, dish or hand soap, paper towels, and disinfectant wipes to help individuals transition from temporary shelters in Santa Monica to permanent homes. For more info on the 100 HOMES Initiative, contact humanservices@santamonica.gov.
For more information about the Polar Bear Swim and the Annenberg Community Beach House, call 310-458-4904, email beach.house@santamonica.gov or visit annenbergbeachhouse.com.
Constance Farrell, Santa Monica Public Information Officer