North Shore residents to take Polar Plunge

Luke Torrance
Participants in last year's Polar Plunge at North Hempstead Beach Park (Photo courtesy of Town of North Hempstead)

With temperatures hovering around freezing, few would view March as the time to hit the beach. But hundreds will dive into Long Island Sound on March 3 for the 14th annual “Freezin’ for a Reason” fundraiser.

The event will be held at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. and the plunge itself at noon. The polar plunge is one of hundreds held throughout the state and the country to raise money for the Special Olympics.

“We just thought it was a great way to generate funds for our local athletes by having them in our local towns,” said Rebecca Strickland, a spokeswoman for the Special Olympics. “We always encourage people to plunge with [the athletes]. We have companies that come out and form teams.”

Last year, 500 people participated in the plunge and raised over $60,000. Statewide, similar events raised a total of $1.4 million.

“It is always such an honor to host an event that helps provide such critical services and programs to our wonderful Special Olympic Athletes,” Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said in a statement.  “I commend all the brave residents who plunge into the chilly waters for this great cause.” 

Strickland said that there is no cost to participate but those who register are encouraged to make a donation. Those who donate at least $150 will receive an official Plunge sweatshirt, with better rewards for those who raise even more ($5,000 in donations will net you an anti-gravity lounge chair).

There is also no requirement as to how far you have to go into the water.

“It’s up to the plunger,” Strickland said. “Some people will dip their big toe in, some will go completely under the water.”

Although the whole point of the event is to get wet in the cold, Strickland said there were some instances when it could be too cold to hold the event.

Safety is our main concern, so we will never do it if it is not safe or if there is ice,” she said.

One such instance was in 2015 when the water was frozen solid, Strickland said. Instead, the fire department came and sprayed the swimmers down. She participated in the plunge for the first time last year and said it was cold but worthwhile.

“It happens so fast,” she said. “You are truly freezing for a reason.”

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