REGISTER & SIGN WAIVER HERE>>>

https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/onset-bay-center/

Start 2026 off with a SPLASH as we plunge into Onset Bay to celebrate the new year! Join us at Onset Bay Center on January 1, 11:00am-1:00pm, to take part in the plunge!

The fun begins at 11:00am, with check-in open as well as:

• Mystery merch bags to all who make a $5 donation to support Buzzards Bay Coalition
• Coffee and drinks for sale from Brewed Awakenings Mobile Coffee Bar
• Food trucks on the Onset Pier
  - The Filling Station
  - Raad's Caboose
• Music and entertainment provided by Gazelle from Fun 107!
• 2026 Plunge shirts for sale ONLINE now and available to order day-of the event

The Main Event:

THE PLUNGE: Gather on the beach at noon, and plunge into Onset Bay to kick off 2026 alongside friends, family, and members of the community, led by the Onset Bay Center team!

But it doesn't end there! All of the above options will also be available post-plunge until 1:00pm!

Options to Fundraise:

Anyone may register and enjoy this event with or without fundraising. There is no minimum to participate.

This event, hosted by Buzzards Bay Coalition's Onset Bay Center and Onset Bay Association, will also be an opportunity to raise funds to support both organizations, if plungers choose to do so! Groups and individuals are welcome to independently raise donations to benefit the Onset community. All donations (cash, checks, or credit card transactions) will be collected in person at check in on the morning of the event. Checks can be made out to "Buzzards Bay Coalition."

Merch:

You can also contribute to Buzzards Bay Coalition and support our mission by making a minimum $5 donation and receiving a mystery merch bag! Plunge 2026 t-shirts will also be available to purchase online, with proceeds benefitting both BBC and OBA. Shirts, hats, stickers, towels, bags, and more will also be available for purchase from the BBC and OBA merch tables!

More about Buzzards Bay Coalition and Onset Bay Center: https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/

More about Onset Bay Association: https://www.onsetbay.org/

Schedule:

Check In / Fundraising: Open 11:00am-11:45am
Vendors: Open 11:00am-1:00pm
Group Polar Plunge: 12:00pm

After Party on the Beach (vendors and music): 12:15-1:00pm
Opportunity to change using Pop Up Pods on the lower level of the Center.

There is a limited number of restrooms on site throughout the event. This is a large event, so please plan accordingly.

What to Bring:

• Dress to Impress! Spirited outfits are encouraged!
• A full set of warm, dry clothes to change into after the plunge
• A bag for wet clothes
• A towel
• Water-friendly Shoes for going into the water (optional but recommended)
• Waterproof camera to capture the moment (optional)

What to Expect:

• Upon arrival, stop by the check-in table. Proceed to check out merch tables, local vendors, and activities as you prepare for the plunge. The lower level of the Center will be open with changing areas. Find a place along the beach to store your belongings (public storage only, there is not a private storage area for personal belongings).
• All participants are required to complete a waiver prior to the plunge. Spectators are welcome to join us on the beach or the pier for viewing!
• Onset Bay will be COLD, but the risk of hypothermia is very low, as participants will not be submerged in the water for very long. Onset Bay Center staff and volunteers will be present to lead the plunge. The Plunge is a choose-your-challenge adventure, so please go at your own pace, and participate however you feel comfortable! The temperature may take your breath away when you first enter the water, so feel free to take your time!  There is no pressure to fully submerge in the water or stay in for longer than you'd like.
• Following your plunge, warm up on the beach, head inside the heated center upstairs, or the warmer lower level of the boathouse to change out of your wet clothing, and celebrate alongside fellow plungers as we welcome 2026 with food, drinks, and music!

This event is made possible in part by funding from the Wareham Cultural Council and Mass Cultural Council!

See photos from our 1,000-participant plunge in 2025
HERE!