1 of 1
Story summary
- On January 1, 2026, thousands gathered at Birch Bay, Washington, for a polar bear dip to break the Guinness World Records, with 4,917 officially counted out of 6,213 registered.
- The previous record was 3,134 participants from Norway.
- Counting challenges raised uncertainty about whether the record will be verified.
- The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce is providing documentation to Guinness World Records.
- Many participants expressed a desire to make history together.
