Plungers wade into the chilly surf during the 2025 Polar Bear Plunge. (Courtesy of PlungeWildwood.org)
At a time when virtually everyone else is bundled up in coats, hats and gloves, some brave “plungers” in bathing suits will be hitting the beach for a frigid swim in the ocean this January.
Yes, a swim.
Marking its 20th year, the annual Polar Bear Plunge fundraising event will return to the Wildwood beach on Jan. 17 to benefit the Special Olympics of New Jersey.
The family-friendly event will get underway at 1 p.m. on the beach behind the Wildwoods Convention Center, at 4501 Boardwalk in Wildwood. Registration will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. inside the Convention Center.
The Polar Bear Plunge is a free event for spectators to watch, but plungers will make donations in tiered levels.
“Now I’m Ready Bear” plungers must raise a minimum of $110 by Dec. 31. The “Better Late Than Never Bear” plungers must raise $120 minimum by Jan. 16.
Early registration is available online by visiting https://www.plungewildwood.org./. Additional registration for the “Almost Missed It Bear” plungers will be available on-site the day of the event for a minimum donation of $125.
All plungers are encouraged to dress up in costumes, break out the plunge props and create banners and signs for the madcap event.
Immediately after the plunge, participants, and children under the age of 12 may enjoy a free lunch inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Video courtesy of PlungeWildwood.org
Participants who would rather not take a dip in the chilly surf may still help out the Special Olympics by registering as a “Wave Maker.”
The Wave Maker registration includes an exclusive 20th anniversary Polar Bear Plunge commemorative shirt and recognition as an official event supporter.
More than just a zany dip in the ocean, the plunge supports the Special Olympics of New Jersey’s year-round sports training, competitions, leadership opportunities, and health screenings for thousands of athletes.
There are incentives based on the total amount of money that is raised. Special recognition will be given to the top three people who raise the most money, as well as the top three highest fundraising teams.
The New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run is sponsoring the Polar Bear Plunge in Wildwood. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is comprised of law enforcement officers who volunteer and are dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics New Jersey. The organization has raised more than $4 million for the Special Olympics during events across the state, according to a news release.
Additional sponsors for the Polar Bear Plunge include the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police, Wawa, and the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority.
For additional information about the Special Olympics of New Jersey, visit www.sonj.org.
For additional information about the Polar Bear Plunge at the Wildwoods Convention Center, visit https://www.plungewildwood.org./
The Polar Bear Plunge mascot waves to the plungers before they charge into the ocean. (Courtesy of Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority)
