Tag: Pacific Ocean

SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica posted on its website on Tuesday, December 16 that the eighth annual Polar Bear Plunge will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026. It is an opportunity for community members of all ages to dive into the new year with an invigorating ocean plunge.

The day starts at the Annenberg Community Beach House Guest Services kiosk for check-in before heading to the beach. At around 10:15 a.m., participants can take an energizing group plunge into the Pacific Ocean, followed by a 300-yard swim out and back around a buoy for those who want to test their stamina.

After the ocean experience, participants can head to the Annenberg Community Beach House pool, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to warm up, grab a hot chocolate, or take a photo with Pat the Polar Bear. Admission is required for entering the pool, deck area, and heated showers: $10/adult, $5/senior adult at age 60, $4/youth age 1 through 17.

Event schedule:
10 a.m. Beach house pool opens, check in at Guest Services before heading to beach
10:15 a.m. Ocean plunge
10:25 a.m. 300-yard buoy swim
2 p.m. Event ends

Santa Monica Harbor Patrol, Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguards, and city of Santa Monica lifeguards will be on hand to support the ocean plunge and buoy swim.

Advanced online registration is available here. In-person registration may be limited on the day of the event. For event details and information visit: https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4a4rq5j26pfbfrtrbpxrgmjnmr/202601101000.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA/MALIBU—The National Weather Service issued a Tsunami Advisory (upgraded from a Tsunami Watch) on Tuesday, July 29 for the California coast, including Santa Monica, following an 8.7 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia.

Dangerous waves and strong currents are expected to arrive overnight at around 1 a.m. The public is advised to stay out of the ocean and away from the coastline and Pier (the Santa Monica Pier closes daily at 11 p.m.

A tsunami is a series of large waves generated by the sudden displacement of the ocean. Large earthquakes below or near the ocean floor are the most common cause, but landslides, volcanic activity, certain types of weather, and near-earth objects (e.g., asteroids, comets) can also cause tsunamis. Most tsunamis are generated by earthquakes or landslides caused by earthquakes, and due to the unique terrain along the Santa Monica coast, residents must be prepared for these catastrophic events.

When a tsunami is detected, the city of Santa Monica notes warnings will be issued by Wireless Emergency Alert, radio, television, telephone, text message, and door-to-door contact by emergency responders. By registering with the city of Santa Monica for SMAlerts, individuals will receive emergency updates via phone, email or text message to assist with evacuations within the region.

At the moment, no evacuations are expected in Los Angeles County. For more information visit the city of Santa Monica tsunami preparedness website.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—The annual Polar Bear Plunge at the Annenberg Community Beach House will take place on Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a plunge in the Pacific Ocean. According to a press release from the city of Santa Monica website, the event has become a tradition.

The Polar Bear Plunge welcomes all ages and abilities. Participants may choose to dip their toes in the ocean, take a quick plunge, or go for the 300-yard swim around the buoy. Unique swimwear is encouraged. After the ocean experience, attendees can head to the historic heated pool for a swim, warm up with a hot chocolate, or take a selfie with the Polar Bear Plunge’s very own mascot Pat the Polar Bear. The heated pool will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Event registration includes admission to the Beach House pool, hot showers and hot chocolate on the pool deck. Regular pool rules apply. Youth under the age of eight and under four feet tall must be accompanied by an adult in the pool at all times.
To register online, click here.

Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for senior adults 60+ and $4 for youth ages 1-17. In-person registration will be available but may be limited on the day of the event.

Event Schedule:

10 a.m. – Check in at guest services and head to the shoreline. Pool is open.

10:15 a.m. – Polar Bear Plunge begins with youth, followed by adults, followed by a 300-yard buoy swim.

2 p.m. – Event end

For more details, visit annenbergbeachhouse.com, call (310) 458-4904, or email beach.house@santamonica.gov. The Annenberg Community Beach House is wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant. Two beach wheelchairs will be available for the Polar Plunge. To reserve a wheelchair or inquire regarding disability-related accommodations call Guest services at (310) 458-4904 or email beach.house@santamonica.gov.

By Trevor