CULLMAN, Ala. – The annual Polar Bear Plunge will return Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, inviting residents to brave the cold for a cause at WildWater and the Cullman Wellness & Aquatic Center (CWAC).
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. and is free to enter. Optional donations will benefit Special Olympics of Alabama, supporting athletes and programs across the state.
Hosted in partnership with Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism, the Polar Bear Plunge has grown into a winter tradition that reflects Cullman’s strong support for community-driven causes.
WildWater General Manager Michael Schwitek said the event’s continued growth highlights the community’s commitment to Special Olympics.
“This event has become a yearly tradition that reflects our community’s support for great causes such as Special Olympics of Alabama,” Schwitek said. “Since partnering with Special Olympics a few years ago, we have seen the event grow exponentially, showing how much our community cares about helping others.”
Schwitek said keeping the event free has remained a priority to ensure broad participation.
“As with most events, we want everyone in the community to be able to participate without any extra cost,” he said. “We only encourage those who are able to donate.”
He said the partnership with Special Olympics is central to the event’s purpose.
“The partnership is really the heart behind the entire event, as these nationwide Plunge events have been directly correlated with Special Olympics for over 25 years,” Schwitek said.
Participation has steadily increased in recent years, with organizers hoping to build on that momentum in 2026.
“Last year we grew to nearly 150 participants and hope to see that number grow again this year,” he said.
Schwitek said events like the Polar Bear Plunge play a meaningful role in supporting athletes across Alabama.
“It serves as a highly visible and exciting way to engage our community and raise substantial funds and has become a staple fundraiser for Special Olympics programs across the state of Alabama,” he said.
Facilities such as WildWater and the CWAC help make large-scale community events possible.
“It is one of our main priorities to plan, provide spaces, coordinate and host every aspect of community events such as this throughout the year,” Schwitek said.
For those considering participating for the first time, Schwitek offered simple encouragement.
“It is an exhilarating experience for a good cause that give you bragging rights and great photo ops,” he said.
New this year, organizers will introduce a costume contest for participants who choose to take the plunge in costume. The winner will receive a two-pack of daily tickets to WildWater.
Organizers shared online, “TWO names will be drawn from the participants who take the plunge! One winner will receive a One-Year Family Membership to Cullman Wellness & Aquatic Center and one winner will receive a 4-Pack of 2026 Season Passes to WildWater! You MUST be present to win! The event is FREE to enter, and we are accepting optional donations for our partner, Special Olympics!”
Register now at https://tinyurl.com/4utenj6a. To donate to Special Olympics, visit https://tinyurl.com/58mrk3ur.
Get additional event information at www.facebook.com/WildWaterCullman. WildWater is located at 1707 Main Ave. SW, Cullman.
