Coronavirus Pandemic Dumps Cold Water On 2021 Polar Bear Splash

LONG BEACH, NY — Each year, the annual Long Beach Polar Bear Splash draws thousands of people to the City by the Sea to run into frigid waters in order to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. But this year, due to the coronavirus, the beach will be much less crowded on Superbowl Sunday.

Instead, participants are being asked to Splash from home.

Since its inception in 2000, the Long Beach Polar Bear Splash has raised more than $7 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which strives to grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses. But while participants are being asked to stay home this year, they are still encouraged to raise money and participate in the Splash.

Normally, those who take the plunge raise money before they run into the ocean on Superbowl Sunday. This year, participants will still register and raise money as normal. But instead of running into the ocean, they'll have to splash from home.

Participants are encouraged to record a video of themselves getting splashed with cold water: you can dump a bucket of water on your head, jump into a freezing shower, have your family throw water on you, or whatever else you can think of. As long as it involves you getting cold and wet, it works. Afterward, participants should upload their videos online with #SplashFromHome.

The Splash From Home is also going on over a longer period of time. From now until Feb. 7 — which would have been the date of the Splash — people can raise money and upload their videos. The Long Beach Polar Bears have a goal this year of $250,000.

You can register to splash, or just make a donation, by clicking here. You can also visit the Long Beach Polar Bears website to purchase some official 2021 Splash merchandise, which also supports the cause.