Annual New Year’s Polar Dip at East Beach Canceled Due to New City Requirements
The much-anticipated annual New Year’s Polar Dip, which has been a vibrant tradition at East Beach since 2017, has been canceled this year. The event, known for its chilly plunge into the Pacific Ocean to ring in the new year, will not be occurring due to new requirements imposed by the City of Santa Barbara.
Friends Hugh Margerum and Julie DeAngelis founded of the event eight years ago. Each year, the event has seen a growing number of participants, with more than 200 individuals taking the plunge this January. However, this year, the organizers faced unexpected hurdles that led to the decision to cancel the 2025 event.
In mid-November, for the first time, the city mandated several new requirements for the event to proceed. These included providing lifeguards, trash and recycling bins, portable toilets, and a permit for all food and beverages provided to the public. Additionally, liability insurance and a business tax certificate were required for any vendors or organizations receiving donations at the event. The costs were estimated to be around $3,000.
The Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation requires permitting at least 90 days in advance for special events and gatherings exceeding 75 people. This ensures events comply with city regulations and avoid scheduling conflicts for public facility use.
The Parks & Recreation Department also cracked down on the SB Bubble Guy for hosting free community events at Shoreline Park, stating he also needed permits.
The Polar Dip had not only been a festive start to the new year but also a community-centered event that supported local causes. For this coming New Year, event organizers planned to partner with Explore Ecology, an educational nonprofit promoting environmental stewardship.
“There will be no organized event at the beach in Santa Barbara across from the Hilton Hotel and the Chromatic Gate at 11:30am on New Year’s Day this year, but this doesn’t mean you can’t start off the New Year by experiencing the exhilaration and camaraderie of diving in the ocean with your friends or family,” the organizers posted on their website.
Organizers stated they hope to be back the following year with the necessary funds to fufill the permit requirements.
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