This article was underwritten in part by the Mickey Flacks Journalism Fund for Social Justice, a proud, innovative supporter of local news. To make a contribution go to sbcan.org/journalism_fund .
[Update: Wed., Dec. 31, 2025, 4pm] The Polar Dip is schedule to go forward despite rain in the forecast. Organizer Hugh Margerum said that more than 250 people have signed the waiver for the official event to ring in the New Year. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the South Coast from 10 p.m. on December 31 to 10 p.m. on January 1, and Santa Barbara County has released a general rain advisory for countywide beaches . The county’s health department said in a December 31 press release that swimming or surfing in storm water may increase the risk for illness and injury. The county recommends that people do not swim, play, or surf in the ocean for three days following rain.
[Original Story] After a year-long hiatus, Santa Barbara’s polar dip has returned. On January 1 at 11:30 a.m. sharp, folks will greet the Pacific Ocean to ring in the New Year.