Austinites, local officials jump into Barton Springs Pool for Polar Bear Plunge

Austinites ring in 2025 with polar plunge

For some people, New Year's Day means jumping into a chilly Barton Springs Pool. That's what they did Wednesday morning and some familiar faces also took the plunge.

AUSTIN, Texas - For some Austinites, New Year's Day means jumping into a chilly Barton Springs Pool for the Polar Bear Plunge. It's a tradition that goes back decades, and some local officials took part New Year's morning.

The Polar Bear Plunge is put on by the Save Our Springs Alliance.

"This is the best day to come out and wash off the old, plunge into the new year. Put a giant smile on your face," Bill Bunch, executive director of Save Our Springs Alliance, said.

The pool has an average temperature of 70 degrees, which is warmer than New Year's morning.

"We tell people all they need to know is it's never cold. It's always refreshing," Bunch said. "Nobody wants to get in, but everybody wants to swim. It's like life. You've got to have a lot of courage up front, and then it's pure bliss."

Travis County Precinct 3 Commissioner Ann Howard was sworn in by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) for her second term. She and several officials, including Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, took part in the plunge.

"It's a day to enjoy the cold water and be filled with energy and excitement for the new year," Howard said.

"I came out to admire all the people that are health-conscious and involved, getting a free T-shirt. I'm here for the plunge to admire those who are participating," Doggett said.

As Austinites jump into the New Year, it's also a reminder to be good to Mother Nature.

"It's all incumbent on us to each save water, be way more efficient in how we use our water," Bunch said.

Bunch says about 3,000 people do the plunge throughout the day.

The Source: Information in this report comes from reporting by FOX 7 Austin's Angela Shen

Barton Springs Pool Holidays