Short swim, long tradition: New Year’s Day Plunge at Lake Monroe

A brief but bracing tradition returned to Monroe Lake on New Year’s Day as dozens of residents welcomed 2026 with a polar bear plunge at Paynetown State Recreation Area on the northeast side of the lake.

The entire event lasted just 13 minutes, but for the roughly 50 participants—adults and a handful of children—who sprinted, shuffled, and sometimes whooped their way into the water, it packed a memorable punch. The lake temperature measured 43F°, typical for early January, while the air temperature hovered at 33F°, with a “feels like” temperature closer to 36F°.

Most participants opted for a quick, full-body plunge—running in, submerging completely, and rushing back out to towels and layers. As they hit the water, several could be heard shouting variations of, “Oh, God, why did I think this was a good idea?” Only two participants lingered, remaining in the water for about five minutes. When they finally emerged, their skin was noticeably red from the cold, but both said the experience felt good and claimed the icy soak is good for you.

While no dogs took the plunge this year, one canine spectator drew smiles from the crowd. The dog stayed dry on shore, bundled up in not one but two coats to fend off the cold.

The annual plunge has been coordinated for the past decade by Jeanice and Troy Chastain, with sponsorship from Next Level Realty. Troy, a familiar figure to returning participants, once again donned his polar bear costume to preside over the event. This year marked a personal milestone as well: Troy turned 60 and announced plans to pass the bear suit on to his oldest son, Bobby Romero, who is expected to take on the role next year.

Despite its short duration, the plunge continues to draw a dedicated crowd, blending shock, camaraderie, and humor into a distinctly Bloomington way of starting the year.

The tradition of New Year’s Day polar bear plunges traces back to winter swimming practices in northern Europe, particularly Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, where cold-water immersion has long been associated with endurance, renewal, and seasonal ritual.

In the United States, organized plunges began appearing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, notably along the East Coast, including early events at Coney Island in New York. Over time, New Year’s Day became the natural focal point, aligning the challenge of icy water with ideas of fresh starts and shared resolve.

Advocates of cold-water plunges often cite a rush of adrenaline and endorphins, improved mood, and a sense of mental resilience as benefits, though medical experts caution that risks such as cold shock, hypothermia, and cardiac stress can accompany sudden immersion—particularly for those with underlying health conditions. For most organized events, safety comes from keeping exposure brief and emphasizing preparation and quick rewarming.

For those looking for the most up-to-date information about the 2027 plunge, organizers recommend joining the group’s Facebook page, where future details will be shared.