Redding Chico Eureka

CHICO, Calif. — For 46 years, the ‘Polar Bear Plunge’ has been a New Year’s custom for the Chico group, the place residents dive headfirst into the brand new yr by swimming throughout Bidwell Park’s Sycamore Pool. On Thursday, a courageous group of group members participated.

This yr’s occasion confronted rain, excessive water flows, and the Chico Fire Department’s presence, as metropolis officers suggested residents in opposition to participation for security causes.

For one household in Chico, they instructed KRCR the custom is one they merely couldn’t miss.

“This is my third year doing the polar swim. Same here. This is my tenth year. This is like our favorite New Year’s tradition. We get to get out on the first day of the year and go do something crazy and hard and scary and then that makes the rest of the year just feel real easy,” the household stated.

Participants say the water is frigid. While some take the polar problem, others watch warmly from the sidelines.

“It’s chilly, I’m chilly, however it’s the preliminary shock that form of will get you. You can’t breathe that nicely since you’re swimming, and it’s so chilly,” said the young participants.

In the summer of 2025, a no-swim advisory was issued for Big Chico Creek after water samples tested positive for E. coli O157. However, in early December, Butte County Public Health lifted the advisory after the most recent water sample did not show the presence of this dangerous strain of E. coli.

KRCR asked participants about their New Year’s resolutions, embracing the spirit of new beginnings.

“My New Year’s resolution is to probably learn a lot of Spanish. I’m also trying to learn a language. I might learn a bit of Spanish too, but I’m going to start learning Japanese as a little fun [thing]. My resolution this year would probably be to run a couple of races. Running races and get a couple of PR’s under the belt,” they stated.

If you missed it this yr, the ‘Polar Bear Plunge‘ will return on January 1, 2027, at 1 p.m. sharp.