Thousands Brave Freezing Waters at Jersey Shore Polar Bear Plunge

Thousands Brave Freezing Waters at Jersey Shore Polar Bear Plunge

Two weeks after it was postponed due to a winter storm, the biggest polar plunge in New Jersey was successfully rescheduled on Saturday.

According to Special Olympics New Jersey spokesperson Jeremy Davis, the 33rd Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights brought in over $2 million. Around 1 p.m., thousands of individuals ran down a section of shore between Webster and Dupont avenues in Seaside Heights into the water, with ocean temperatures in the high 30s, according to Davis.

Even though over 7,000 people registered for the plunge, some chose to remain on the sidelines, which is common, according to Davis.

"Some folks simply sign up." They don't jump into the ocean after raising money. It's all about being a part of this," Davis stated.

According to the event's website, at least $100 was raised by participants, while some of the biggest contributors gave $25,000 or more.

To make sure no one ventured too far into the ocean on Saturday, first responders wearing protective gear were in the water. According to Davis, riptides remain a threat on the Shore, just as they are throughout the summer.

Davis stated, "You may go in and dive, but waist-high or below."

The Special Olympics chapter in New Jersey, which hosts training sessions and competitions for kids and adults with intellectual impairments all around the world, planned the third polar plunge of the season.

According to Davis, plunges took place in Asbury Park in November and Wildwood in January.

Plunge Leaderboard

Check out who takes the lead in donations for the Special Olympics.

The Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside maybe a fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics New Jersey, but it's also a life changer for the athletes and their friends, families, and communities.