San Pedro ushered in 2025 on Wednesday morning, Jan. 1, in the traditional way — with a chilled splash into the Pacific Ocean.
The annual Polar Bear Swim drew hundreds, as usual, for the bracing, rejuvenating dip into the sea at Cabrillo Beach. The tradition goes back more than 70 years and includes the ceremonial crowning of the Polar Bear king and queen. This year, the monarchs were Robert Keller and Stella Hernandez, who led the crowds to the shoreline and into the water.
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
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The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro Jan. 1, 2025…Between 600-800 usually participate with hundreds more turning out to watch and cheer it on. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
While not as daring as other polar “plunges” elsewhere across the country that can see actual freezing temperatures this time of year, the San Pedro challenge is chilly enough to require warm towels, and cups of coffee and hot chocolate in the aftermath.
