Swimmers in La Jolla greet 2021 with pandemic version of the Polar Bear Plunge A group dressed as polar bears takes part in the unofficial Polar Bear Plunge at La Jolla Shores on New Year’s Day. (Sam Hodgson / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Dozens of brave people from across San Diego County gathered Jan. 1 for a scaled-down pandemic version of one of their favorite traditions: celebrating the new year by splashing in cold ocean water at La Jolla Shores. There was no giant group photo and no post-swim potluck lunch. Dozens of brave people from across San Diego County gathered Jan. 1 for a scaled-down pandemic version of one of their favorite traditions: celebrating the new year by splashing in cold ocean water at La Jolla Shores.