NEW YEAR’S DAY: Here’s the plan for Alki Beach Polar Bear Swim 2022

| Holidays | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(January 1, 2018, photo by Robert Spears)

For everybody who’s asked about the plan for New Year’s Day 2022 Alki Beach Polar Bear Swim – this is just in from organizer Mark Ufkes:

We go in the water at 10:00 am sharp, so don’t be late. According to Washington State regulations; three simple requirements:

 Adults must be vaccinated and boostered for Covid 19.
 Everyone must wear a mask.
 You and your group must be Covid-free, be in good health, and distance yourselves 6 feet from others while on the beach.

For over 15 years, the Alki Beach Polar Bear Swim has been about “washing away the complexities of the previous year and bathing in the unlimited possibilities that the New Year provides”. All while pushing us all out of our comfort zone. Prior to Covid, we had over 700+ swimmers. In 2022, we need this event more than ever.

So, go over the three simple requirements listed above. Bring a large, warm towel, a coat to put on after you get out of the water, good water shoes, and your hopes and dreams for a spectacular 2022. Holding hands and wearing bright colors as you go into the water also seems to help.

I wear Goodwill pink every year, to celebrate the day in the not-too-distant future when over 50% of our Members of Congress will be women and/or People of Color. Imagine the message that would send to the world and how much more empathy we will have in our national governance.

When you arrive, you’ll see the gathering madness across from Duke’s. Stay in your group of family and friends, spread out down quarter-mile Alki Beach, and allow six feet between your group and your Polar Bear neighbors to your left and right.

Just before 10:00 am, you will hear the megaphone countdown begin; 10, 9, 8 . . . At “one “ in the countdown, we all run, screaming like the children we are, into 47-degree Puget Sound. The water will be warmer than the air this year, so it will be much more pleasant that one might expect. The mild insanity is really quite fun, and we are in and out of the water so fast that we barely get goosebumps. And like everything in life, your attitude, and belief in yourself, will keep you warm and successful.

Insertname December 26, 2021 (4:14 pm)

Giddy up🤙🍻

Mj December 26, 2021 (10:02 pm)

Mark – where are the WA State Covid rules you refer to listed? I certainly hope your event is successful, but please be honest regarding State regulations. There is no booster requirement and no requirement to wear a mask outside when 6′ of social distancing is available.

Raymond December 27, 2021 (10:58 am)

Just do it though. I don’t care about CDC. Wear a mask always around people. This is the new norm.

Business owner December 26, 2021 (10:13 pm)

I have participated in this event for many years. I am extremely weirded out by the need to be vaccinated (and boosted), and “hey, let’s show the world that people of color” are participating as well. Seriously- we have destroyed 20 years of racial acceptance due to a summer of riots. I dated a person of color, and it was a huge joke, when I wanted to go to the beach, this person would say… “Girrll… you know black folks don’t swim!” And I AM NOT saying that they all don’t. It is additionally crazy that many people of color are also not vaccinated. AND- it is ludicrous to limit people who can jump into freezing water “only” if they are vaccinated and boosted. Wait, what? And you can only jump, be physically shocked, whilst wearing a mask. Got it. And, after all that, hopefully you won’t catch a cold. Stay safe everyone! Don’t call 911 for the peeps who are out, safely enjoying kite-surfing wearing dry suits (do the 911 callers know what they are?), and then ALAS… calling on those that are jumping into freezing water on New Years, naked, unvaccinated, or not boosted. And not wearing a mask? Seriously- we have gone darn lost our minds.

Jort December 27, 2021 (12:15 am)

?????????????????????
Brian December 27, 2021 (7:47 am)

This comment is all over the place and I truly have no idea what point you’re trying to make.
Little One December 27, 2021 (8:16 am)

Wowza. Way to stereotype people.
Raymond December 27, 2021 (10:59 am)

Racism up and down this post. Please get vaccinated.

Alki resident December 26, 2021 (10:24 pm)

Mark has some funny rules for an open public beach.

WSREZZO December 28, 2021 (11:36 am)

So true.. not sure how in the world this would be enforced whatsoever, though I appreciate these strong suggestions. I will say the booster ‘requirement’ makes things very tough for younger individuals who have been waiting their turn and finally can get boosted, but the appointments are so booked out that it’s not that easy.

WSB December 26, 2021 (11:00 pm)

I believe Mark’s reference to masks and vaccinations are because those are the state rules for outdoor gatherings of 500+ people.
https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/current-guidance.aspx

As for his POC reference, please read his announcement again. It has nothing to do with who will be participating or not participating in this event; it’s his explanation of what he’ll be wearing at the beach. What he wrote: “I wear Goodwill pink every year, to celebrate the day in the not-too-distant future when over 50% of our Members of Congress will be women and/or People of Color.” Perhaps that seems out of context if you are not familiar with his announcements in previous years, which have usually included longer politics-related musings. – TR

Business owner December 26, 2021 (11:23 pm)

Understood. Thank you. Happy New Year! I can admit when I am being too sensitive. And I hope we all can not be so (sensitive) for 2022. ❤️ I truly mean that.

Common Sense December 27, 2021 (6:33 pm)

I am appalled that Mark would even consider organizing this event and place so many people in our community at risk; Omicron is real people! There is no way Mark’s group can sponsor this and guarantee that everyone is following the rules that our health community have laid down and we’ve all agreed is needed. If you don’t like the rules move somewhere else. Please reconsider hosting this event Mark.

Alki resident December 27, 2021 (7:53 pm)

Of all the years we did the plunge, never did we rely on Mark to be there or host it. It’s a public beach, outside, in the cold. Don’t go if you’re afraid.
Scott December 28, 2021 (12:13 pm)

You’re kidding, right?

JW December 28, 2021 (3:21 pm)

The comments on this are just… wow. Yes, gathering with a bunch of folks is a little extra risky. That is why the organizer is doing the best he can to set rules to protect others. Risk is fairly low anyway with a brief outdoor event (where everyone is trying to stay 6 feet apart). But, good on Mark for taking it an extra step and making sure folks are masked up and vaccinated. Hopefully this event kicks off a better year for all of us.