SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. — Rinse off the old, welcome the new! South Walton Fire District will hold its 9^th Annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar.

In-person registration begins at 11 a.m., which will be followed by a costume contest at 12 p.m., and the Plunge itself at 1 p.m.

The cost to take the plunge is $20 per person, children 12 years old and younger can participate for free. Funds raised at the event will benefit SWFD Community Education Programs, such as free CPR courses for residents, free smoke alarms, and other fire/life safety resources.

This year, participants can register online and sign the safety waiver before the day of the event. In order to register online, visit the SWFD Polar Bear Plunge on Eventbrite.

“This event allows our entire community to come together and celebrate the New Year in a unique and family-friendly way,” said SWFD Fire Chief Ryan Crawford. “We really encourage everyone to take advantage of the early sign-up option this year, find a creative costume, and join us at Shunk Gulley for the start of 2023.”

SWFD personnel will monitor surf conditions leading up to the event. If the Gulf is unsafe to enter, the event will not be canceled. A contingency plan is in place that will not involve entering the open water.

Please direct all media inquiries related to the Polar Bear Plunge to the SWFD PIO. More information can also be found on the event’s Facebook page.

South Walton Fire District to hold 9th Annual Polar Bear Plunge