Birch Bay polar bear dip failed to break world record, Guinness says. Here’s why
Thousands of people participated in the Birch Bay Polar Bear Dip on New Year’s Day in the hopes of setting a new world record.
Unfortunately, the attempt was “unsuccessful,” according to Kylie Galloway at Guinness World Records.
“Each Guinness World Records attempt is reviewed carefully by our on-site adjudicators and/or our record experts,” Galloway wrote in a Tuesday, Jan. 12, email to The Bellingham Herald. “Guidelines for the record are shared in advance, and what is required varies based on the record being attempted.”
Why did the world record attempt fail? Here’s what we know:
Blaine polar bear dip tries to break world record
The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce announced plans in February to set a new world record at the Birch Bay Polar Bear Dip.
A total of 4,917 “participants with bibs” took part in the official Guiness World Records attempt at the plunge in Jan. 1, according to Pacific Multisports, the race results website used by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce.
As of December 2025, the world record for largest polar bear dip — 3,134 people — was held by a community in Norway, according to the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Which rules did Birch Bay participants have to follow?
According to the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, the following rules had to be met for a successful attempt.
- Wear a swimming suit & shoes
- No costumes, wetsuits or drysuits
- Enter the water when directed
- Remain waist-deep in the water for 60 seconds
- Exit the water when directed
Why did attempt to set new plunge record fail?
According to the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, two factors caused the Birch Bay Polar Bear Dip’s attempt to set a new record to fail.
“An accurate starting count could not be confirmed due to non-participants being present in designated plunge zone,” the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce said in the Wednesday post.
What’s more, chamber officials said, some polar bear dip participants “did not meet the requirement of being submerged at least waist-deep for the full duration.”
Although the attempt was unsuccessful, officials said, spirits in the Whatcom County community are still high.
“On Jan. 1, Birch Bay came together in an extraordinary way, welcoming thousands of visitors during the off season, supporting local businesses, celebrating camaraderie and coastal tradition,” the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce said in the Facebook post. “The energy, pride and positivity felt throughout the day made this a truly historic moment for our town.”
Will Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce try again?
As of Wednesday, the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce had not announced any formal plans for another attempt to set a world record.
This story was originally published January 14, 2026 at 3:00 PM.