At a Glance
- About 3,000 Austinites joined the Polar Bear Splash at Barton Springs Pool on New Year’s Day.
- The tradition is an old annual community event.
- Conservationists warn record low flows and pumping threaten the watershed.
- Why it matters: It highlights community spirit and the need to protect local water resources.
Austinites dove into Barton Springs Pool for the Polar Bear Splash on New Year’s Day, with around 3,000 participants. The event is part of a long-standing local tradition that rings in the new year with a plunge into the cool water. Conservationists have raised concerns about record low flows and the threat of excessive pumping to the Edwards Aquifer.
The Polar Bear Splash
Bill Bunch, executive director of the Save Our Springs Alliance, said:
> “There’s no better way to start the new year, to embrace the year ahead, and to connect with the life source of our city.”
He added:
> “We had the big floods in July that people remember, but none of those floods really hit the watersheds for Barton Springs, and so we’re at record low flows, and so we need people to help us prevent the excessive pumping that’s a threat.”
- 3,000 people are expected to plunge into the pool during the day.
- The event helps raise awareness for Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer.
- The Save Our Springs Alliance works to protect the watershed.
Family Tradition
Ed Peters reflected on the tradition:
> “How many New Year’s days do you remember what you did? At least we remember where we were,”
Sheila Peters added:
> “If you’re from Austin, that’s what you do,”
The Peters family has been part of the plunge for about 20 years.
Key Takeaways
- The Polar Bear Splash attracted roughly 3,000 participants on New Year’s Day.
- Conservationists warn that record low flows and pumping threaten Barton Springs.
- The tradition continues to be a cherished community event for families like the Peters.
The splash reminds Austinites of their community spirit and the importance of protecting their local water resources.
