A fresh start to 2026.

Many will take the plunge into Palmer’s Pond in Dorchester on New Year’s Day.

The Dorchester Polar Dip has been an ongoing tradition since 1994.

“This all started with three brave Lions Club members. Last year, we had 87 jumpers, and we’re pretty sure we’re gonna hit over 100 jumpers this year, because it just keeps getting more popular and always a fun, happy event,” spokesperson and firefighter Reg Tower told our newsroom.

“We cut a hole in the ice and measure the water depth to be about chest height, so around four feet deep. We make sure that all safety measures are in place with the help of the Dorchester Fire Department. Folks line up either by themselves or with three people maximum along the edge of the ice. With the countdown from onlookers, they take the plunge into the icy waters of Palmer’s pond.”

If the ice isn’t thick enough, the Polar Dip can still go ahead.

“The fire department has what they call a porta tank, which is 1000 gallons, basically a swimming pool. It’s a portable tank that we pump the water out of Palmer’s pond through a hole in the ice into that tank. It’s a large swimming pool, so to speak. We take some of the ice out of the pond, add it to the water and build a little stairway so that people can dive down into the Porta tank. And it’s proven to be a safe and fun way for folks to jump into Palmers pond, so to speak.” Tower explained.

He says it has proven to be just as fun as jumping into a hole in the ice on the pond.

“It’s also a chance to show off and do a cannonball or a big, fancy dive into the porta tank. They’re both equally as chilly, and all of the folks seem to enjoy both of them very much,” Tower added.

As part of the polar dip, some participants will wear costumes, and this year Tower says they’ll be giving away a prize for the best one.

During past polar dips, the Dorchester Lions Club and the fire department always raised money for local charities in the community . This year, the Greater Dorchester Moving Forward Co-op is continuing that tradition.

If you’d like to sign up to take the plunge, the minimum donation is $25. There are also sponsorship forms available. You can also just show up on January 1 and pay your administration fee.

We asked Tower if he had ever taken the plunge himself.

“I have. My son came home from Toronto about 15 years ago, for his first time plunging in. He stopped at the edge of the water and said, ‘I’m not going in unless you are’. So I have been a firefighter and have always helped out with the safety part, but kept my clothes on and kept dry until then. Fifteen years ago, he talked me into jumping in. I took the plunge, and you know what? It felt great. I was really happy about it, and I have done it every year since,” Tower explained.

If you’re concerned about safety, not to worry. The fire department is always on hand at the event, and Tower says they come with over 30 years of experience and have all of the necessary equipment.

The polar dip starts promptly at 1 pm, so you should arrive in advance if you want to sign up. Following the event, there is a luncheon held at the Westmoreland Historical Society, at the Keeler House Museum at 2 pm.