NJ's Largest Polar Bear Plunge Rescheduled In Seaside Heights

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — As Ocean County continues to dig out from 2 feet of snow delivered to the Shore, officials have decided to postpone the annual Special Olympics Seaside Heights Polar Bear Plunge.

The plunge, which was set for Saturday, has been rescheduled for March 14, officials said.

The annual fundraiser for Special Olympics of New Jersey, which draws 7,000 to 8,000 plungers and thousands of spectators and volunteers, is the largest Plunge in New Jersey. It raises more than $2.5 million annually to support athletes with special needs participating in the Special Olympics.

The historic blizzard pounded Ocean County with at least 25 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service, including in Seaside Heights where social media reports estimated the borough received at least 20 inches. Read more: Final Snow Totals In Historic NJ Blizzard: See Town-By-Town Tallies

Weather forecasters have been watching another storm that could bring more snow on Thursday, though estimates and possible impacts had not been estimated as of Tuesday morning.

The sheer volume of snow received and the forecast indicating more could be coming were the reason for the postponement to March 14, said Kevin Burke, chair of the Seaside Heights Polar Bear Plunge and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics NJ.

"Public safety is of paramount concern for everyone," Burke said.

A statement from Special Olympics NJ said the postponement was a "collaborative decision between the Borough of Seaside Heights, the law enforcement community, and Special Olympics New Jersey."

"We know this is a big event for a great cause, so let's use this extra time to help them raise even more money," Seaside Heights Borough Administrator Christopher Vaz said in an announcement of the postponement. "Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you all on the 14th."