Teenagers, the elderly, and entire families jumped into icy 45-degree water at Santa Clarita’s 14th Annual Polar Plunge over the weekend. The city’s Waterslide Pool — popular for summer recreational swim time — offered a ride down a bright yellow waterslide and into frigid water, making participants laugh, cringe and shout.
In a prepared statement, city officials said, “The Polar Plunge encourages community connection through fun, wellness and shared experience while offering a memorable way to kick off the New Year. … This spirited community tradition brings together families, friends and thrill-seekers for one of the city’s most unique winter events.”
A young girl reacts after plunging from a waterslide into 45-degree water during the 14th annual Polar Plunge at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center in Santa Clarita on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (Photo by Mark Savage, Contributing Photographer)
A man reacts after plunging from a waterslide into 45-degree water during the 14th annual Polar Plunge at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center in Santa Clarita on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (Photo by Mark Savage, Contributing Photographer)
A young boy reacts after plunging from a waterslide into 45-degree water during the 14th annual Polar Plunge at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center in Santa Clarita on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (Photo by Mark Savage, Contributing Photographer)
Two women wade through waist-deep 45-degree water as they head toward the pool exit during the 14th annual Polar Plunge at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center in Santa Clarita on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (Photo by Mark Savage, Contributing Photographer)
Participants gather along the edge of the pool before plunging into the cold water during the 14th annual Polar Plunge at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center in Santa Clarita on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (Photo by Mark Savage, Contributing Photographer)
Participants run through the shallow end of the pool, braving 45-degree water during the 14th annual Polar Plunge at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center’s Waterslide Pool as part of a New Year tradition in Santa Clarita on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (Photo by Mark Savage, Contributing Photographer)
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A young girl reacts after plunging from a waterslide into 45-degree water during the 14th annual Polar Plunge at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center in Santa Clarita on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (Photo by Mark Savage, Contributing Photographer)
After jumping into the pool — and getting out of the pool ASAP — chilly participants were offered hot chocolate, coffee and donuts from lifeguards. Kaiser Permanente hosted the event, giving free beach towels to the courageous first 100 participants. And all of those brave enough to jump into Santa Clarita’s icy swimming pool earned a place on the city’s official Polar Bear Club members list.
