Hilton Head’s Annual Polar Plunge Set to Kick Off New Year’s Day 2026
The annual Polar Plunge turns a chilly dip into a warm celebration of community and fresh starts.
Story by Mackenzie Lionberger
The brisk air of January 1 rides on a gentle breeze of new beginnings. Cold sand sweeps across your feet as you face the lapping waves. Your heartbeat skips along to the rhythm of the countdown, beating with anticipation.
Three, two, one: you sprint into the ocean without hesitation. The sound of cheers and laughter carries as the sea embraces its guests. This is how Hilton Head Island welcomes the new year.
As 2025 comes to an end, many have made resolutions and are ready to embrace change in the year ahead. But few traditions capture the excitement of the season like Hilton Head Island’s annual Polar Plunge.
This year’s event takes place at 10:30 a.m.
on Jan. 1 at Coligny Beach.
“There’s nothing like turning and seeing 700 people charging into the ocean at once. It’s just awesome,” said Fith Fithian, the event organizer and founder. Fithian dedicated much of his life to volunteering locally for good causes. He started the plunge more than a decade ago as a fun New Year’s tradition to unite the island community.
“This is your first chance to start the year with your island family,” Fithian said.
It’s free to participate, but donations will be accepted to benefit Charli’s Critters, a charity that honors Charli Bobinchuk, who was killed in a 2018 crosswalk accident. The nonprofit focuses on animal conservation and education. Every donation made to the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry’s Charli’s Critters Naturalist Education Fund helps keep Bobinchuk’s spirit alive in the heart of the island. Fithian’s connection to Bobinchuk’s family inspired the event’s mission to continue her legacy.
“It’s about keeping Charli’s memory alive and supporting what she stood for, her love for creatures on the island,” Fithian said.
Many people and organizations, including The CRAB Group, The Jazz Corner and Chez Georges and people like Brian Burke and others come together to sponsor the Polar Plunge. Today the event has grown to more than 1,400 attendees, becoming a tradition for locals and visitors alike. The festival-like gathering features raffles, auctions and, this year, a 5K. It blends New Year goals, health and tradition while making an impact in the community.
Many locals show up to the Polar Plunge in full costume. This chicken-mermaid mashup proves that creativity thrives even in cold ocean water.
Plunge into the benefits
While the plunge is a great way to support a meaningful cause, the icy thrill also provides an invigorating boost of energy for the year ahead. The cold salt water jump-starts your system, boosts dopamine and reduces inflammation. It’s the perfect way to reset after a season of comfort food and cocktails.
“The salt water, the magnesium are better than any epsom salt bath. You feel so good. Plus you can enjoy the sunrise, the birds, the waves. And we love to support a good community event,” said Laura Fromdahl, a member of the Hilton Head Island Swim Club.
The club welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels, and every year members join the plunge. For many, the Polar Plunge is the best way to enter the new year with purpose.
“You’re up early doing something hard, something fun, getting your priorities straight, not just for yourself but for Charli and the charity,” Fromdahl said.
A tradition that travels
Locals aren’t the only ones marking their calendars. People from across the country make the trip each year, some driving more than 12 hours, like Jennifer Eden and Bret Hardtle. While the drive may sound daunting, the destination is always worth it.
“I’ve been coming to Hilton Head for so long, it really feels like one love, Bob Marley-style,” Jennifer said. “No judgment: everyone is together to celebrate Charli, support her parents and raise money for Charli’s Critters.”
Before they were married, they each traveled to the island for the plunge, Jennifer from Ohio for seven years and Bret from Florida for three. Now living together in Ohio, they’ve continued the tradition.
As time went on, Jennifer and Bret began bringing friends from Ohio to join the fun. Many participants add their own flair by dressing up in costumes, from prom dresses and tuxedos to animal suits. Over time the event has become an essential part of many visitors’ trips to Hilton Head.
“We call it our Polar Plunge Trip,” Bret said. “We play volleyball, bike, kayak, hang out and enjoy Hilton Head. It’s not just about the plunge, but that’s definitely the centerpiece.”
A heart for Hilton Head’s wild side
Charli’s Critters keeps one young islander’s spirit alive by helping protect the creatures she adored.
Charli’s Critters was founded in memory of Charli Bobinchuk, whose love for animals and the island inspired everyone around her. Growing up surrounded by Hilton Head’s beaches and wildlife, Bobinchuk developed a deep appreciation for all creatures. From reptiles to raccoons, she was passionate about educating others on the beauty of the island’s animals. She died at age 11 in 2018 when she was struck by a car while crossing U.S. 278 in a crosswalk. To keep her spirit alive, her parents, Bryan and Daisy, turned that passion into a nonprofit dedicated to animal education and conservation.
Through annual community events like the Polar Plunge, locals and visitors help keep Charli’s memory alive while supporting a cause she cared deeply about.
“Even when it’s cold, you feel warm,” Bryan said. “The vibe is so alive, and everyone’s cheering, smiling and just celebrating together.”
The Polar Plunge stands each year as a reminder of the strength and love found on our island. Charli’s Critters reflects that same spirit, a community united by purpose. Donations can be made through the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry’s Charli’s Critters Naturalist Education Fund.
“There’s something magical about the rush of the cold water,” Daisy said. “It fills me with energy and a feeling of healing.”
