Woodland’s Polar Bear Plunge is becoming a New Year’s Day tradition for some families while others seem more intent on seeing who can get out of the water faster.

Held at the Charles Brooks Swim Center, adjacent to Woodland High School on West Street, this is the fifth year for people to brave the unheated water, which was around 55 degrees, or just slightly colder than the 58 degrees in the open air.

Brad Peterson, a recreation supervisor for the city of Woodland, explained the “tradition” emerged out of the pandemic as a way to start the new year with a cold swim. Today he is seeing the same families return as a way to get the new year started.

Unlike previous years, where high winds or light rains made the chilly pool water more “inviting,” the 2025 event was held beneath gray, overcast skies and little to no breeze.

The conditions didn’t deter the Perez family, consisting of Karissa and Sam, David and Violet.

“Sam and I have done this for three years while David and Violet are in their second year,” Karissa said. “It’s something fun.”

The children are also involved in various swimming programs and participating is a way for them to support the pool.

Mark Salinas, who was dressed in a colorful red, yellow and brown-stripped bathrobe, said he and wife Shoshana Zeldner, only recently moved to the city from Reno, Nevada. Shoshana is an owner of The Hive in Woodland and Salinas said they wanted to be closer to the business.

“We’ve done the plunge in Tahoe and compared to that this is nice and warm,” he said, recalling that in past years band members with the University of Nevada, Reno, would all march into the water playing their instruments.

“We’re new to the neighborhood and this was a way to meet new people,” he added, as Shoshana spoke with some of their neighbors.

For others, turning out was a way to support the swim center. Adriene Scher, who was wrapped up against the chill drinking a cup of hot chocolate while seated near a mannequin wearing a “Happy New Year” cap said it was her first year for the plunge, but that she regularly does water aerobics.

As the clock ticked down to the 11 a.m. start time, people lined the four sides of the pool — many slapping their sides or arms to stay warm.

Then, suddenly, the air was filled with screams and cries as men, women, and children leapt into the water.

For some, the “plunge” was more of a dip as they quickly made their way to out of the pool and back to the pool deck to redress in warm clothing. Others started swimming laps to stay warm. And a few brave souls chose to use the diving boards to prove their stamina.

Typically, the pool is kept at a warm 80 degrees, Peterson said. Shutting it down during the holidays is a way to save money while also doing maintenance. He said not turning on the heaters can save as much as $10,000 a month.

Once the heaters are turned back on, Peterson said it could take a couple of weeks to get the water temperature back to more comfortable levels.