Event Information

ALL PLUNGERS must raise the minimum to plunge based on their registration tier. If plunging as a team, ALL TEAM MEMBERS are still required to raise the minimum. Charitable contributions are non-refundable, and the minimum plunge requirement is considered a contribution, and therefore, non-refundable.

Our participants look forward to the awesome Plunge gear every year! Please take a look at our incentives page for the levels based on individual fundraising goals.

There is no age requirement to participate in a Polar Bear Plunge. Young children are welcome to join, but that decision is up to the child's parent or guardian. A waiver is included in the online registration process, and it must be approved or "clicked," by an adult. Those under 18 years of age are required to have a parent or guardian present at the event. If you do not register online, paper waivers are available at registration, as well.

We have streamlined our check-in process but can never predict when crowds will be heaviest. We encourage you to arrive early to check-in on the day of the event and enjoy the Plunge atmosphere. All participants MUST check-in prior to Plunging to turn in funds, receive incentives, and receive Plunger access materials to be allowed to the site. Bring all donations with you when you come to check-in. Cash, charge, tap to pay, and checks are accepted.

• Register online. We take registrations on the day of but it’s MUCH faster if you’ve already registered online…plus you’ll save yourself $25 (Late Registration = $125).
• When possible, contact us prior to arriving at registration with questions about online donations or issues regarding registration. If questions arise that day, we will do our best to help you with them in a timely manner.

You can wear whatever you want to Plunge – a bathing suit, street clothes, and even costumes! Take a look at some past plunge costumes for ideas.

We provide changing rooms for men and women. Law enforcement personnel will be at the entrance to monitor the area, but please note that neither the event committee, Wildwoods Convention Center nor Special Olympics New Jersey is responsible for personal belongings left inside the changing rooms that are lost or stolen during the course of the event. Leave items at your own risk. Spectators are not allowed access to the changing areas. If an individual needs to be accompanied for a certain reason, please explain to the law enforcement at the entrance of the rooms to gain access.

For the best Plunge experience, make sure to bring the following:

• A towel to dry off and warm up with.
• Old shoes, aquatic shoes, etc. Don’t forget to bring a pair of dry shoes to wear afterward.
• A duffel bag, backpack, garbage bag, etc. It’s a good idea to bring a bag for dry clothes and your Plunge incentives, as well as a plastic bag for your wet clothes.
• Dry replacement clothes. After you’re done Plunging, it’s nice to have some warm and dry clothes for the journey home.
• Another Plunger! Recruit a friend, family member, co-worker, or acquaintance and get them to Plunge with you. It’s always more fun to Plunge with someone!

• Do NOT dive or flip into the water. This is a safety precaution for all Plungers that is strictly enforced by the Dive Team.
• We advise you not to Plunge after drinking alcohol. Intoxicated people will not be permitted to Plunge.
• Leave valuables at home or with a spectator. Special Olympics New Jersey is not responsible for items that are lost or stolen.
• Try not to run out of the water after you Plunge. Keep in mind that everything is wet and slippery.
• Bring along warm clothes to wear after you Plunge that are easy to put on. The last things you want to deal with when you’re cold and wet are clumsy zippers and buttons!
• Carpool! Parking can be crowded so help us out by coming as a group.

Team Captains can NOT check-in their entire team. All plungers must check themselves in and pick up their own incentives. The plunge has grown to a point where all participants must be responsible for themselves.