Celebrate 2025 with a Polar Bear Plunge at two locations in the Bakersfield area. Community members can go down to the activity pool at the McMurtrey Aquatic Center to slide down the slide into the icy water and then swim 25 yards.

A casual comment at a scout meeting turned into a local tradition that is celebrating more than two decades as a fun community event.

Cold plunge enthusiasts point to heart benefits as well. When plunged into frigid water, the body constricts blood flow to the core. Then the blood pumps back out through arteries and veins when exposed to warmth. (Note: Cold plunges are not generally recommended for people with heart conditions or other medical conditions.)