Video: West Seattle/White Center Polar Bear Swim 2011 at Alki

That scene requires a slight amendment to a classic line, so let’s just say: “Elvis has left the water.” The King was part of the sizable crowd – more than 100 – who dove right into 2011 with the West Seattle/White Center Polar Bear Swim about half an hour ago at Alki. Most were in and out in a matter of seconds, as our video shows:

For some, it was a party:

And for some, a victory:

The water was warmer than the air, which was still just before freezing when the “swimmers” took the plunge at 10 am.

14 Replies to "Video: West Seattle/White Center Polar Bear Swim 2011 at Alki"

  • CurlyQ January 1, 2011 (1:28 pm)

    Hilarious video! Thanks so much for giving me a reason to smile on the first day of 2011! I might just join those insane people next year.

  • Betty Tester January 1, 2011 (1:39 pm)

    Looks like they’re having great fun but not for me.

  • ellenater January 1, 2011 (4:33 pm)

    I see two of my complete and totally insane friends in there. Good job…weirdos. :)

  • sassy January 1, 2011 (5:18 pm)

    always good to see The King!

  • Alki Resident January 1, 2011 (5:22 pm)

    What a great way to start the new year off with polar plunge and sunshine.Hundreds came out today to walk.

  • Stickler January 1, 2011 (5:52 pm)

    Unless I missed it, you need to credit your photog on these.

    • WSB January 1, 2011 (6:15 pm)

      Hi, Stickler! If Patrick or I take the photo, we don’t usually run a credit. If somebody besides us does, we do. Non-standard, I guess, but that’s the way we do it, for images, anyway; if it’s a longer-than-usual article, it’ll have a byline even if I write it – TR

  • sun*e January 1, 2011 (6:22 pm)

    LOL! I can’t believe there are soooo many crazy people in West Seattle! Oh wait…that’s what I love about West Seattle – all the fun, over-the-top people that entertain us everyday on the WS Blog. Thanks for being who you are and more importantly for finding Elvis. I wondered where he’s been ALL these years! ;)

  • Stickler January 1, 2011 (6:42 pm)

    Excellent work then! With no byline or attribution I wasn’t sure, but you all always seem to be on top of it!

  • Genesee Hill January 1, 2011 (6:42 pm)

    I can see myself joining in the fun…. 50 years ago!

  • PeterT January 1, 2011 (7:27 pm)

    Now *there’s* a way to burn off 200 calories in a few minutes, I bet !

  • Jill January 1, 2011 (10:13 pm)

    You all are AMAZING!!! But especially, Go Katie, Go Els!! :)

  • pb January 2, 2011 (1:51 pm)

    Not so crazy….Crazy is a polar bear swim in Chicago off the lake!

  • Brooke January 3, 2011 (11:02 am)

    You mean I did that just to burn a measly 200 calories? My friend said 2,000…

Sorry, comment time is over.