More Than 100 Brave the Cold for Swampscott Yacht Club’s Annual Polar Plunge

The polar plunge begins || Brendan Cassidy

With a fresh layer of snow covering the sand of Fisherman’s Beach and more falling from the sky, a group slowly gathered by the shore on the first morning of the new year.

Nearby in the Swampscott Yacht Club, every seat at the bar was taken well before noon, as some tried to muster up courage. On the beach, some were dressed in winter jackets, scarves and gloves. Others were clad in simply bathing suits and flip-flops.

Thermometers read 26 degrees Fahrenheit when the clock struck 11 a.m. Then a cannon that could be heard all around town shot off and a wave of brave, but screaming, locals charged into the ocean at a full sprint.

For more than 100 Swampscott residents, the first day of the new year meant a plunge into the ocean at the Swampscott Yacht Club’s annual polar plunge. The 2026 event marked the 20th time the club has hosted the tradition.

“This is super special,” said Swampscott Yacht Club Commodore Mary Webster. “A lot of people out there love starting the new year like this, shocking themselves.”

The over 100 people who dipped into the frigid water this year ranged from young children to seniors. Seatemperature.org reported the water temperature at 42.7 degrees Fahrenheit.

Many stayed in the water for just a few seconds before fleeing back to the shore to dry off and attempt to get warm. By 11:10 a.m. the water was empty. The snowfall had stopped and the skyline of Boston became visible across the water.

Inside the club, hot dogs, clam chowder and hot chocolate were standing by to assist in warming up those that plunged. Celebrations continued for a while in the warmth of the club.

It was the 20th year of the plunge || Brendan Cassidy

This year, proceeds from registrants went to the Don Hause Legacy Fund. Hause was a Swampscott resident and member of the yacht club who had also served on the Select Board, before his passing in 2024 from colon cancer.

Webster of the Swampscott Yacht Club said the goal is for the fund to provide scholarships to local students.

“The more people we can get in here, the better it makes us,” said Webster, who added that the event is a great way of bringing the Swampscott community together. “It brings me a lot of joy.”