Participants in the 2019 Seaside Heights Polar Plunge. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
Mark your calendars and hope it isn’t too cold come Saturday, Feb. 22.
Seaside Heights has announced the date of one of the borough’s biggest events of the year – the annual Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics New Jersey, which draws tens of thousands to the board, thousands to the ocean itself, and raises more than a million dollars for Special Olympics.
Part of the year-round fundraising of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the event is a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations, and businesses to support Special Olympics New Jersey athletes by jumping into the frigid Atlantic waters during February. It’s also the first major event of the new year, with fun events scheduled from the early morning into the night with major celebrations at all of the bars and restaurants across town.
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This year’s event will be held Saturday, Feb. 22 with registration beginning at 9 a.m. (though many bars open earlier for their own celebrations) at Blaine Avenue, off the boardwalk. Plungers head to the beach at 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m., thousands of people brave the frigid ocean waters for a dip to support the worthy cause.
The plunge location is on the beach south of Spicy Cantina and in front of Lucky Leo’s. Bus and RV parking is on Grant Avenue, closest to the check-in tents. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration, plus donation and team information, can be found at the Polar Plunge website. Participants pay a $25 registration fee that goes toward their personal donation, and are then encouraged to raise money from family and friends or as part of a team. There are several levels of registration:
- “Early” Bear ( $100 minimum): September – December 31
- “Now I’m Ready” Bear ( $110 minimum): January 1 – January 31
- “Better Late Than Never” Bear ( $120 minimum): February 1 – February 16
- “Almost Missed It” Bear ( $125 minimum – FLAT RATE): February 17 – February 22
An event map has been drawn up by organizers. Last year, the massive event raised $2.6 million for Special Olympics New Jersey.
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