Burien’s annual “Polar Bear Plunge” will take place this Friday, Jan. 1st at Noon on the beach at Three Tree Point, and this year it’s also going to serve as a fundraiser for the Highline Area Food Bank!

The event is open to anyone who wants to brave the chilly 45-degree Puget Sound waters as well as donate at least 2 cans or boxes of non-perishable food items, or $5 cash, all of which will go directly to our needy neighbors who utilize the Highline Food Bank.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Burien’s annual “Polar Bear Plunge” at Three Tree Point

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 1st at Noon.

WHERE: In the 3500 block of SW 172nd, along the beach of Three Tree Point – look for a bonfire and a group of shivering people having second thoughts.

INFO: If you can, please bring 2 boxes/cans of non-perishable food, or $5 cash as a donation to the Highline Area Food Bank.

Here’s a video we shot last year, which includes our exclusive POV Polar Bear Plunge camera as shot by Andy Kleitsch, one of the organizers:

WARNING – according to various medical sources:

A “Polar Bear Plunge” (aka cold water swimming) isn’t for everyone, as sudden immersion in very cold water can result in an involuntary gasp followed by 1 – 3 minutes of involuntary hyperventilation. This hyperventilation results in a profound lowering of blood carbon dioxide levels and a raising of blood pH levels.

Rapid cooling of the skin triggers various heart and breathing responses. The heart rate can increase by 50% and blood pressure increase can increase to 175/93. Although a substantial strain on the heart, these changes are not likely to be a problem for a healthy, fit person but may be dangerous for those with underlying heart disease or hypertension.

Photo courtesy Erin Hovland.