Hundreds of people in Milwaukee marked the start of the new year by jumping into the icy waters of Lake Michigan during the annual Polar Plunge at Bradford Beach. Despite light snow and temperatures in the teens, participants remained enthusiastic. “Cleanse off all the dirt from last year,” repeat plunger Robyn Rodgers told FOX6 News.
Milwaukee Alderman Scott Spiker participated in the Polar Plunge for the first time and told FOX6 News he plans to return as part of the “welcome committee” next year. The event also drew longtime participants, including former Bradford Beach head lifeguards Bill Klug and Ben Rodriguez, who shared memories of past plunges. Rodriguez described the experience as a “bucket list” activity.
At noon, participants entered Lake Michigan together for the Polar Plunge. Kelly Menore of West Allis told WISN the tradition was a way to “cleanse” for 2026. An icy shelf at the water’s edge caused minor difficulty but did not disrupt the event.
The Milwaukee Fire Department deployed cold-water rescue divers to monitor the event and ensure participant safety. Deputy Chief Ron Firnrohr told WISN crews tracked plungers as they entered and exited the water. No serious injuries were reported, though participants ranged from longtime veterans making a final plunge to first-timers fulfilling New Year’s resolutions.
Meanwhile, some plunge-goers found other ways to stay warm pre-dip. A photo essay from JSONLINE captured Polar Bear Plunge participants, including Ellen Winters, Virginia Demet, and others, doing the "Hokey Pokey" by a fire before their chilly plunge. With spirits high and body temperatures low, Milwaukee's enduring tradition of the Polar Bear Plunge invited young and old alike to start their year with an exhilarating splash.
