Get Ready For The 2019 Long Beach Polar Bear Plunge

This year is the 20th annual Long Beach Polar Bear Plunge, and it could be the event's largest one yet. So before you get settled in to watch the Super Bowl, come out and make a splash.

Since it was started in 2000, the Long Beach event has grown year by year. Last year, more than 10,000 people came to the beach and ran into the freezing cold water, raising $530,000 for the Make-A-Wish foundation. Since 2000, the Long Beach Polar Bears have raised more than $5.3 million, which as gone to fund the wishes of nearly 800 children.

This year's plunge is set for Sunday, Feb. 3 at the Riverside Boulevard Boardwalk. Participants can start lining up at 12:30 p.m. for the plunge at 1:30. In order to participate in the event, you need to fill out a waiver, which is available here, and bring it with you.

Because the splash is such a popular event, streets in the city are going to be crowded, and parking is going to be difficult. If you live nearby, it's suggested you walk or bike to the beach. Those coming from out of town are encouraged to use public transportation, or to carpool if possible.

To help ease traffic, the City of Long Beach will be providing shuttle buses to and from the splash, from 10:30 a.m. until 2: 30 p.m. From the East End, bus routes being at the LIRR station and go to Park Avenue East, to Maple Boulevard, to Broadway, to Riverside Boulevard, and then back to the LIRR. From the West End, the route begins at Ohio Avenue and Beech Street, then along Beech to Grant Boulevard, to Broadway, then continues on Broadway to Riverside Boulevard, then back to Ohio Avenue.

If you're going to participate, it's encouraged that you donate. All of the donations go to the Make-A-Wish foundation, which helps children suffering from severe illnesses have their wishes granted. You can donate to the Long Beach Splash by clicking here.

For more information, visit the Long Beach Polar Bear website.

Photo courtesy Daniel Tarczynski