Polar Bear Plunge Returns To The Water In Seaside Heights

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — The Polar Bear Plunge is returning to Seaside Heights on Saturday, after a year off the beach because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Organizers are anticipating 5,500 people will attend the 2022 Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights in support of the Special Olympics of New Jersey.

Organizers are hoping the event will raise at least $1.8 million.

The plunge will take place on the beach between Blaine and Sumner avenues, directly in front of the Spicy Cantina (500 Boardwalk).

Street closures in the area will be in effect until early afternoon. At 1 p.m., everyone who raised the plunge minimum will make their way into the ocean. The water temperature is expected to be in the low 40s and the air temperature is forecasted to be in the mid-30s.

"We are so happy to be back in Seaside Heights for the 29th annual Polar Bear Plunge and
want to thank the many fundraisers, year-round partners, volunteers, and communities for
standing by us through the challenges of the last couple years," said Heather Andersen, president and CEO of Special Olympics of New Jersey.

Special Olympics "is coming back stronger than ever thanks to our tremendous supporters, and we look forward to getting back to offering our athletes the in-person experiences they so deserve,” she said.

As of Friday morning, the highest individual fundraiser was Scott Paterson, who had raised $32,023. Many teams are competing to take the crown of the largest fundraising team,
with the Bayshore Shrinky Dinks leading with $66,330 raised.

“It has been a challenging couple of years, but we are BACK!”, says Chief Robert Belfiore, Retired Deputy Chief of the Port Authority of NY/NJ and Director of the New Jersey Torch Run. “The Law Enforcement Torch Run has been serving Special Olympics New Jersey athletes for almost 40 years and it has never been more vital to get our athletes back on the playing fields and courts where they belong. Events like the Polar Bear Plunges provide strong funding support to Special Olympics New Jersey that directly benefits athletes from all across the state.”

The Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights is organized by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey, the largest grass-roots fundraising organization for Special Olympics New Jersey. Other notable supporters include the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association, Wawa, and NJ 101.5.

Walk-up Plunge registrants are welcome and encouraged to arrive early due to the heavy traffic. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the walk-up registration fee is $125. Spectators are also welcome, and parking will be available in the area.