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Home > Regional info > Pacific Northwest > Washington > Seattle > BFC Polar Bare Dip

See also: Seattle Swims and http://SeattleSwims.org, the definitive guide to body-positive aquatic events in the Greater Seattle area.

[edit] Contact info

NOTE: Only people who have actively participated naked in local events and who are in good standing will be invited to participate in BFC Polar Bare Dips. If this is you, please contact us and we will try to verify your previous participation in other events.

To indicate you are interested in participating in this event, please fill out the form at the SeattleSwims.org web site using the form on the right side of the page. Make sure you select the event you are interested in from the pull-down menu and put in your e-mail address.

You can also contact BFC Polar Bare Dip organizers via e-mail at

[edit] Events

• Next event is Sat, January 19, 2008. Please check back for updates and additions.

[edit] Previous Events

[edit] Jan 13, 2007

Our 5th annual BFC Polar Bare Dip! We met at Magnuson Beach shoreline, 200 yards north of the main Swim Beach. Four participants went in around 9:17 AM, with five spectators around us. The area was snowy and icy. Many people probably were not able to make it due to icy road conditions and were probably deterred by frigid temperatures. Water was 45 degrees F; air was 27 degrees F. We were unaware there was also a running race called the "Super Jock 'n Jill New Balance Winter Grand Prix Race #3 going on scheduled at 9 AM, about 50 feet away on the trail behind us. No one seemed to notice or care that four crazy naked people were jumping into the lake.

[edit] Jan 14, 2006

The 4th Annual BFC/community Polar Bare Dip was held at the north end of Golden Gardens Beach (official site), Seattle on Saturday, 14 Jan 2006 8:30 AM. A brief beach cleanup followed the event.

[edit] Jan 15, 2005

The 3rd Annual BFC/community Polar Bare Dip was held at 9 AM sharp at Richmond Beach in the City of Shoreline, King County, WA, USA. The address is 2021 NW 190th St., Shoreline, WA 98177-2831.

[edit] Jan 17, 2004

2nd Annual BFC/community Polar Bare Dip at Carkeek Park, Seattle, WA

• More info and pictures.

[edit] Jan 18, 2003

1st Annual BFC/community Polar Bare Dip at Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island, WA. "This small kickoff event was used as a small promotional photo opportunity for the group, signaling our commitment to bringing clothing-free opportunities on public lands closer to the people of the cities and beyond." Luther Burbank, the namesake for this park, was best known for his work in horticulture. He was also quite a free thinker: "I believe in the immortality of influence", he once said. The BFC believes that a small number of dedicated people working together, within their communities, can have a dramatic influence on public opinion and policy.

Luther Burbank Park is now home to King County Park System's administrative offices. BFC thought it would be symbolic to do a public action at the Park System's headquarters, and also arguably one of the metropolitan area's most beloved parks, still deemed off-limits for wholesome, clothing-free recreation.

As a native of Mercer Island, this is probably Daniel's first beach he ever went wading in as an infant.

• More info and pictures.

[edit] Disclaimer

As with any fun activity that challenges the status quo and presents some degree of physical danger to your person, you may wish to consult with your legal advisor and physician before participating. Use your own discretion and common sense! Individuals who are pregnant, or have poor cardiac functioning, or suffer from a seizure disorder should not participate. Water will be cold, clothing worn in water may not keep you warm. Do not stay in for extended periods of time. First timers and those who are confused may wish to watch others for clues as to when it is time to leave the water. Some may wish to stand back at first to avoid getting trampled by overly-zealous individuals racing to get into the water first. Participants may confront you or pretend not to see you if you do not act responsibly.

Suggestions from Seattle Parks & Rec (they have a Polar Plunge event on January 1st):

• If you have heart problems or other serious medical concerns, please consult your health care professional before taking the Polar Plunge.
• Don't drink alcohol - it doesn't warm you up, and it accelerates hypothermia.
• Don't stay in the water for longer than 15 minutes - you lose body heat 25 times faster in water than in air.
• Don't take off your outer clothing until you're ready to get in the water.