news
Austin Polar Bear Plunge Draws Thousands to Barton Springs
Thousands braved the chilly water at Barton Springs Pool for the annual Polar Bear Plunge, hosted by the Save Our Springs Alliance, to kick off the new year.
Published January 1, 2026 at 6:52pm by Mikala Compton
Thousands braved the chilly water to kick off the new year with a Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool. The annual event is hosted by the Save Our Springs Alliance.
Thousands jump into the water during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
People swim during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
Aliza Orent and Kit Baumann jump into the water during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
Colt Collins, 11, reacts to the cold water during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. “Why did God do this to us,” Collins asked his mother while slowly entering the pool.
A group of people jump into the water during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
Valerie Leyva holds her arms out for her son, Leo Leyva, 5, during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
A group of people jump into the water during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
Thousands swim during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
Daniel Madrid holds Katana Riley in the water during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
Frankie Clark, 3, jumps to Lucy Clark, 5, and Sam Clark during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
Groups of people gather for the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
Brothers Doug, Tim and Chris Shanahan jump into the water together during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
A man swims laps during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
Kit Baumann, right, and Aliza Orent react to the cold during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
Jodie and Stuart Champion jump into the water during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
Thousands gather for the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
Tierra Neubaum smiles as she swims during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
People swim during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
Groups of people swim during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
A man jumps off the diving board during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
Sam Clark holds his daughters Lucy and Frankie Clark, 5 and 3, during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
A boy jumps off the diving board during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
People swim during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.
Thousands swim during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The spring-fed water at Barton Springs maintains a temperature of about 68 degrees.