By Lookout Staff
January 3, 2022 -- Santa Monica's Polar Bear Swim will take place next Sunday with temperatures forecast in the upper fifties, one week after the regularly scheduled dip was postponed due to inclement weather.
The temperature is only some 30 degrees warmer than the upper twenties forecast that day for Juneau, Alaska, according to the Weather Channel.
The annual swim at the Annenberg Community Beach House -- which will take place from 9 a.m. to noon -- returns after a one-year hiatus due to the coronavirus shutdown last winter.
Swimmers will plunge into the Pacific Ocean and take a 300-yard swim around a buoy before returning to the balmy waters of the Beach House's heated pool, organizers said.
"The Polar Bear Swim is a no-judgment zone," City officials said.
"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, organizers said.
There will be a donation drive for small kitchen and bathroom items to support the City’s 100 HOMES Initiative as 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," City officials said.
Online registration for the event is full, but registration for the ocean swim portion is not required, organizers said.
Organizers anticipate that a limited number of walk-up passes to the pool and pool deck will be available.
For more information, contact the Beach House at (310) 458-4904 or email beach.house@santamonica.gov
For more info on the 100 HOMES Initiative, contact humanservices@santamonica.gov.
|
