Event rescheduled due to recent rains
After a one-year hiatus, the annual Polar Bear Swim returns to the City of Santa Monica’s Annenberg Community Beach House this weekend.
Due to inclement weather over the holidays, the swim was postponed from Sunday, January 2 to Sunday, January 9, 2022.
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,” reads a press release from the City.
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.
While online registration for the event is full, registration for the ocean swim portion of the event is not required. Availability of walk-up passes to the pool and pool deck is anticipated the morning of the event, in limited capacity. Please contact the Beach House with any questions at (310) 458-4904 or beach.house@santamonica.gov.
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.