Have you ever heard of polar bear plunges? Each winter, those willing to brave temperatures 32 degrees or lower jump into icy cold water, outside, on a chilly winter day — on purpose. All of them take place to support a local charity. The largest charity effort to get people to take the plunge is Special Olympics Tennessee.
These events got started on New Year’s Day in 1904 when a swim club called the L Street Brownies jumped into Dorchester Bay in Boston, Massachusetts. That is why National Polar Bear Plunge Day takes place on January 1, but the events often take place throughout January and February all over the world.
If you want some extra bragging rights, try out a plunge new you this winter, but make sure to come prepared!
Here’s a few tips for first-time plungers:
- Have a warm towel and/or robe and slippers to get into the moment you get out
- Have a change of clothing to go home in
- Have a warm drink ready to sip on after
5 local Polar Bear Plunges in Middle Tennessee:
Cheatham County: January 18, 2025
River Bluff Park in Ashland City
Cost: $75 ($50 students)
Rutherford County: February 1, 2025
Sports*Com in Murfreesboro
Cost: Free
Wilson County: February 8, 2025
Jimmy Floyd Family Center in Lebanon
Cost: $75
Union City: February 8, 2025
Aloha Pools in Union City
Cost: $75
Music City: February 22, 2025
Nissan Stadium in Nashville
Cost: $75 ($50 students)
