The annual polar plunge, held annually at Alki Beach saw a crowd estimated at over 3000, twice what it was last year.

Despite temperatures hovering around 40 degrees (with the water only a bit warmer at 46, people of all ages came prepared to at least get a little wet on the first day of 2026.

Organized by Mark Ufkes and his wife Lois Schipper the event, going strong for 22 years had a twist this year.

He asked that people bring donations to the West Seattle and White Center Foodbanks. They did fillling up several bins with non perishable food items, hoping to make a difference.

At 10am sharp the crowd took to the water amid sceams, hoots and lots and lots of shivers.