Nearly five thousand people gathered along Washington’s coastline to take part in a large-scale polar bear plunge, as organisers sought to set a new world record for the largest cold-water swim of its kind.

Participants of all ages, many wearing costumes and team colours, ran into the frigid Pacific waters in a coordinated effort that transformed the annual winter tradition into an unprecedented mass event.

The plunge, held under clear but cold winter conditions, required careful planning and extensive safety measures.

Local authorities, emergency services and volunteer lifeguards were deployed along the shoreline to ensure participant safety, while medical teams stood by to assist swimmers affected by the icy temperatures.

Organisers confirmed that water conditions and crowd management protocols met international standards required for record verification.

Beyond the record attempt, the event carried a strong charitable focus.

Funds raised through registration fees and sponsorships were directed toward local causes, including community services and health-related charities.

Participants said the combination of fundraising, personal challenge and shared experience was a major motivation for braving the cold.

Officials overseeing the event said preliminary counts indicated participation close to five thousand swimmers, potentially surpassing existing records for polar bear plunges.

Final confirmation will depend on verification by record-keeping authorities, who are expected to review attendance data and compliance documentation in the coming weeks.

Regardless of the outcome, organisers hailed the turnout as a significant achievement, highlighting the strong sense of community engagement and the growing popularity of winter swimming events across the Pacific Northwest.