JEFFREYS BAY – After making a splash with its inaugural event last year, the Jeffreys Bay Polar Bear Plunge is set to return on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, with swimmers once again being challenged to brave the icy waters of the ocean.
The second annual Polar Bear Plunge will take place at the Main Beach Lifesaving Tower, with four different swim times available throughout the day, giving participants the opportunity to choose the plunge that best suits them.
Swimmers can register for the following times: Sunrise at 06:38, Mid-morning at 11:00, Mid-afternoon at 15:00, or After-work at 17:15.
Participants are asked to gather 20 minutes before their selected plunge time at Signature Café, where safe parking will be available. From there, the group can walk together to the Lifesaving Tower or meet directly at the beach. The organisers are also calling on volunteers to step forward as Site Champions for each time slot. These volunteers will help lead the charge into the water and encourage fellow participants as they take on the chilly challenge.
This year’s plunge will also have a strong community and fundraising focus, with donations being made in aid of the NSRI Jeffreys Bay. Registered participants will receive the donation details once they have joined the Plunge group.
The organiser, Rian Grobler, describes this event as a unifying experience, highlighting the opportunity it created for members of the town’s swimming and fitness community to connect.
Following the success of the first event, the Polar Bear Plunge was announced as a yearly tradition, with the hope of creating more opportunities for local swimmers and fitness groups to meet, train and support one another. Now in its second year, the Polar Bear Plunge is set to build on that momentum, bringing the community together for a little cold-water courage, some friendly competition and a good cause.
Those keen to take part can WhatsApp 072 277 3301 to register and become part of the Polar Bear Plunge group.
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