Polar Bear Plunge St Albans 2019

A fun family event on the first day of the year when hardy souls celebrate the New Year by taking a dip in icy water.

Sign up for an icy dip in the St Albans Diving Club's pool - in the name of charity and to earn your polar bear medal! All of the money we receive is split equally between Earthworks St Albans, the Ollie Foundation and The Counselling Foundation. Between 2016 and 2018 we raised (well, you donated) over £15 000 and we are hoping to raise lots again in 2019.

The Plunge 2019 is now live - and to celebrate we have yarnbombed 23 post boxes in St Albans, Redbourn, Wheathampstead and Redbourn. These fabulous festive toppers are raising even more funds for the three charities we are supporting! 

Back to the Plunge - two lifeguards and plenty of hot chocolate and cakes; spectators to cheer the plucky plungers on, this promises to be a fun-packed family event once again. Blow away those cobwebs and start the New Year with a SPLASH! All dippers will receive a medal and a hot chocolate with (or without) marshmallows.

Music, hot drinks, marshmallows, cakes - and a bar. It's the perfect New Year's Day. Please join us and help us raise money for these fabulous charities.

How far do I have to swim?

There is no minimum requirement! Most people just jump in and straight out, if you prefer you can stay in a little longer for a refreshing swim.

What if I don't want to jump in? ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE

In 2018 we had requests from people who were willing to do a polar ice bucket challenge rather than leaping in the pool. That's fine with us! So yes, you can do this, tickets are available as ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE. 

How much is it?

ALL of the entrance fee will go directly to the charities - £18 per adult plunger, £5 per child plunger, £8 per adult spectator, child spectators free. £38 for a family ticket of plungers which will cover up to two adults and your children.

If you turn up without booking, we can not guarantee admittance on the day, as in past years the event proved to be very popular and there are restrictions on numbers at the venue.

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

Any plungers must be confident swimmers. No babies, and recommended minimum age is 5 years. Dry suits can be used!

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

There is parking nearby.

What can/can't I bring to the event?

All plungers must bring swimwear and towels. Fancy dress is most welcome and could win you a prize! We recommend a hat and warm socks to put on after your plunge, to get you warmed up again as quickly as possible. There is a hot shower - just think FEET and HEAD afterwards.

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

We welcome your questions so please contact the Polar Bear PA, Clare, at suttieclare@gmail.com

Is my registration/ticket transferrable?

Yes. On the day you will be required to sign in, so we will update any name information then.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

If you can, or if you can show us your tickets on a phone, that's fine too. We'll scan you in on arrival.

What is the refund policy?

The money you pay will be directly to the charities (100%). We will not offer any refund.

The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay?

That's fine, on the day you will be required to sign in, so we will update any name information then.

I'm not taking the plunge, can I still come along?

Very definitely, yes please! We need you to clap and cheer our plucky plungers. There will be entertainments including music, a bar, hot chocolate, cakes, and much more. Price is £8 per adult spectator, under 18s are free of charge. Please book everyone on (you will find child spectator option listed, even though there is no charge).

Who are you people organising this?

Ed Suttie, husband to Clare and Dad to Madeleine, Alex and James. Ed is a working family man who decided to do something big. Dipping into his past when he was a glaciologist with the British Antarctic Survey, he found what that something was. In April 2016 he trekked to the North Pole from a position 2 degrees south of the magnetic pole. This involved walking and skiing on sea ice and snow. So far the Polar Bear team have raised over £60 000  and we look forward to increasing this!