GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Confirms Outcome of Birch Bay Polar Bear Dip Attempt
January 15, 2026
January 14, 2026 — Birch Bay, WA — Today, the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce received
official confirmation from GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ regarding the January 1, 2026
attempt to set the world record for the Largest Polar Bear Dip in Birch Bay. While the event was historic in scale and participation, Guinness has determined that the attempt was unsuccessful.
According to GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™, the determination was based on two
primary factors. First, an accurate starting count could not be verified due to non-participants
being present within designated plunge zones at the beginning of the attempt. Second, a portion of participants did not fully meet the required guideline of being submerged at least waist-deep for the full duration specified by Guinness.
Despite falling short of the official record, the event achieved its original and most important
goal: bringing the Birch Bay community together in celebration while welcoming thousands of new visitors to the bay during the traditionally quiet off-season. On January 1, Birch Bay was filled with energy, community pride, and goodwill as residents, businesses, volunteers, sponsors, and visitors came together for a truly memorable day.
The Birch Bay Polar Bear Dip World Record Attempt was presented by WECU and made
possible in part through a Tourism Promotion Grant from Whatcom County and a
Community Support Grant from Blaine Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2. Their
support, along with that of numerous local partners, volunteers, and first responders, was
instrumental in delivering a safe, welcoming, and impactful event.
While the record remains unbroken, the positive economic, tourism, and community impacts of this event will be felt for years to come. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce extends its
heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, and supported this effort.
January 1, 2026 will forever be remembered as an historic day in Birch Bay.
official confirmation from GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ regarding the January 1, 2026
attempt to set the world record for the Largest Polar Bear Dip in Birch Bay. While the event was historic in scale and participation, Guinness has determined that the attempt was unsuccessful.
According to GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™, the determination was based on two
primary factors. First, an accurate starting count could not be verified due to non-participants
being present within designated plunge zones at the beginning of the attempt. Second, a portion of participants did not fully meet the required guideline of being submerged at least waist-deep for the full duration specified by Guinness.
Despite falling short of the official record, the event achieved its original and most important
goal: bringing the Birch Bay community together in celebration while welcoming thousands of new visitors to the bay during the traditionally quiet off-season. On January 1, Birch Bay was filled with energy, community pride, and goodwill as residents, businesses, volunteers, sponsors, and visitors came together for a truly memorable day.
The Birch Bay Polar Bear Dip World Record Attempt was presented by WECU and made
possible in part through a Tourism Promotion Grant from Whatcom County and a
Community Support Grant from Blaine Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2. Their
support, along with that of numerous local partners, volunteers, and first responders, was
instrumental in delivering a safe, welcoming, and impactful event.
While the record remains unbroken, the positive economic, tourism, and community impacts of this event will be felt for years to come. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce extends its
heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, and supported this effort.
January 1, 2026 will forever be remembered as an historic day in Birch Bay.
Contact:
Sacha Sanguinetti, Event Coordinator
sacha@birchbaychamber.com, (360) 371-5004
