Icy Waters, Warm Hearts: Clear Lake Polar Bear Plunge Draws Big Crowd

Jared Allen December 8, 2025Last Updated: December 8, 2025

1 minute read

CLEAR LAKE — Nearly 100 brave souls charged into the icy waters of Clear Lake on Sunday for the 2025 Clear Lake Polar Bear Plunge, creating a scene filled with energy, teamwork, and plenty of steam rising off the shoreline at City Beach.

With the air temperature hovering around 8°F at the start of the event, plungers bundled up, cheered loudly, and embraced the chill with surprising enthusiasm. Thankfully, winds were light — a small gift on a bitterly cold December morning.

Local radio personality Jared Allen emceed the event, keeping spirits high with music, announcements, and plenty of encouragement as teams made their dash into the lake. Costumes, team themes, and matching outfits added even more personality to a crowd already buzzing with excitement.

The annual plunge supports Toys for Tots, Compassionate Connections, and Kids & Families in Need, with each participant donating a minimum of $60 to take part. Plungers also took home the official 2025 Polar Bear Plunge grey crewneck sweatshirt, a badge of honor after braving the ice-cold water.

The day kicked off with a pre-party and check-in at the VFW at 10:30 a.m. — complete with a free drink ticket — before registration moved lakeside to the Yacht Club at noon. At 12:30 p.m., the crowd gathered, team names were announced, and one by one, groups sprinted toward the frigid shoreline to make the unforgettable leap.

For those not ready to fully commit, the Toe Dippers Club offered a lighter option — a quick foot dip in exchange for the same swag and the same charitable impact.

Warm-up tents, plenty of towels, and lots of laughter filled the beach afterward as plungers swapped stories and thawed out. Organizers reminded first-timers to pack wisely, dress warmly for after the plunge, and most importantly — have fun.

Despite the cold, the 2025 Polar Bear Plunge once again brought the community together for an exhilarating tradition that supports local families, spreads joy, and proves that Iowans are never afraid of a little ice.