Polar Bear Splash Is Almost Here!

New Year’s Day is this Thursday, which means it’s almost time for one of Austin’s great traditions: the SOS Polar Bear Splash at Barton Springs Pool. For decades, this has been our way of washing off the old year and starting the new one grounded and reinvigorated. It’s joyful, it’s refreshing, and this year, it’s exactly what we all need. 
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WHO Everyone is welcome!
WHERE Barton Springs Pool
WHEN Thursday, January 1st. SOS staff & volunteers on site: 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (front and back gates). Community group jump: 9:30 a.m.
WHAT Celebrate the New Year and the Soul of Our City. Free coffee & donuts from local legends Epoch and Barrett’s, plus find out ways to get involved with SOS. Flavor on Wheels food truck at the back gate. Cool 2026 commemorative SOS t-shirts available for $30 supports our work (both gates)

The Polar Bear Splash is about showing up for the springs and for one another. We are fortunate to live in a city where a spring-fed pool still flows through the heart of town, and that doesn’t happen by chance. The soul of Austin endures because we choose again and again to protect it. On New Year’s Day, we come together not only to celebrate, but to recommit -- to organizing, to stewardship, and to keeping our home waters safe and clean. 
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A quick and important note: the Polar Bear Splash will not have lifeguards on duty. It is swim at your own risk. Barton Springs is 70 degrees year-round with a natural (slippery) bottom, and we expect the air temperature to be about the same. If you have health concerns or limited swimming ability, please proceed with caution, or come be part of the fun hillside. There are plenty of ways to participate without getting in the water. This is a chance to reconnect with neighbors, with the springs, and with the work ahead. We’ll be sharing updates on how to get involved with Save Our Springs Alliance in 2026.

If you do take the plunge, we recommend bringing a warm robe and beanie, and of course grabbing a screen-printed commemorative shirt to throw on after your New Year's dip.

We can't wait to see you there!
SOS Alliance