Polar plunge into the new year with the Onset Bay Center

The water temps may be low, but the spirits going into 2026 will be high. 

The Onset Bay Center will be hosting its annual Polar Plunge Thursday, Jan. 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees will brace the new year by running into Onset Bay.

Center Director, Angie Weldon, said that this her favorite event of the year.

"We try to make it bigger and better every year," Weldon said. 

Beginning at 11 a.m. with check in, mystery merch bags will be available to those who make a $5 donation to the Buzzards Bay Coalition. Coffee, drinks and food will be available.

The event is free, something Weldon said is to make sure everybody can join in on the plunge.

"We don't want cost to ever be a barrier to anyone participating," she said.

At noon, participants will gather on the beach to plunge into Onset Bay led by the Onset Bay Center. The center recommends guests bring dry clothes, a bag for wet clothes, a towel and water friendly shoes. 

An after party will be held on the beach until 1 p.m.

All participants are required to complete a waiver prior to the plunge. Onset Bay will be cold, but the risk of hypothermia is very low, as participants will not be submerged in the water for very long. 

Further information and t-shirts can be found at savebuzzardsbay.org.