Birch Bay’s polar bear dip on New Year’s Day did not break the world record, the chamber of commerce said.
Despite appearing to have more than enough people to break the 3,134-participant record held by a group in Sola, Norway (4,917 people picked up their bibs in Birch Bay, according to Pacific Multisports), Guinness World Records said the attempt was unsuccessful.
There were two issues with the attempt: Guinness couldn’t verify an accurate starting count due to “non-participants being present within designated plunge zones at the beginning of the attempt.” Many participants also didn’t “fully meet the required guideline of being submerged at least waist-deep for the full duration,” the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce said in a news release.
“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,” the chamber said in the release. “Birch Bay was filled with energy, community pride, and goodwill as residents, businesses, volunteers, sponsors, and visitors came together for a truly memorable day.”
As for another attempt next year, the chamber won’t be organizing one, said Mary Jane Thompson, the visitor center coordinator. Birch Bay’s regular polar bear dip, which has been taking place on New Year’s Day for more than 40 years, will return.
Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.