Got questions? We’ve got answers!
The Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights is an unforgettable experience that brings thousands together for a great cause—and we want to make sure you’re ready for the big day! From fundraising tips to what to wear, our FAQ section covers everything you need to know to make your plunge safe, fun, and successful. Plunge in and get all the details before you hit the icy Atlantic!
ALL PLUNGERS must raise the minimum to plunge based on their registration tier. If plunging as a team, ALL TEAM MEMBERS are still required to raise the minimum. Charitable contributions are non-refundable, and the minimum plunge requirement is considered a contribution, and therefore, non-refundable.
Yes! Forming a team is a great way to motivate one another to raise more money for Special Olympics New Jersey. When registering, select the “Create a Team” option.
Our participants look forward to the awesome Plunge gear every year! Please take a look at our incentives page for the levels based on individual fundraising goals.
Team Captains can NOT check-in their entire team. All plungers must check themselves in and pick up their own incentives. The plunge has grown to a point where all participants must be responsible for themselves.
There is no age requirement to participate in a Polar Bear Plunge. Young children are welcome to join, but that decision is left to the sole discretion of the child’s parent or guardian. A waiver is included in the online registration process, and it must be approved or “clicked,” by an adult. Those under 18 years of age are required to have a parent or guardian present at the event. If you do not register online, paper waivers are available at registration, as well.
We have streamlined our check-in process but can never predict when crowds will be heaviest. We encourage you to arrive early to check-in on the day of the event and enjoy the Plunge atmosphere. All participants MUST check-in prior to Plunging to turn in funds, receive incentives, and receive Plunger access materials to be allowed to the site. Bring all donations with you when you come to check-in. Cash, charge, and checks are accepted.
- Register online. We take registrations on the day of but it's MUCH faster if you've already registered online...plus you'll save yourself $25 (Late Registration = $125).
- When possible, contact us prior to arriving at registration with questions about online donations or issues regarding registration. If questions arise that day, we will do our best to help you with them in a timely manner.
You can wear whatever you want to Plunge - a bathing suit, street clothes, and even costumes!
We provide changing tents on the beach for men, women, and families. Law enforcement personnel will be at the entrance to monitor the area, but please note that neither the event committee, City of Seaside Heights nor Special Olympics New Jersey is responsible for personal belongings left inside the changing rooms that are lost or stolen during the course of the event. Leave items at your own risk. Spectators are not allowed access to the changing areas. If an individual needs to be accompanied for a certain reason, please explain to the law enforcement at the entrance of the rooms to gain access.
For the best Plunge experience, make sure to bring the following:
- A towel to dry off and warm up with.
- Old shoes, aquatic shoes, etc. Don't forget to bring a pair of dry shoes to wear afterward.
- A duffel bag, backpack, garbage bag, etc. It's a good idea to bring a bag for dry clothes and your Plunge incentives, as well as a plastic bag for your wet clothes.
- Dry replacement clothes. After you're done Plunging, it's nice to have some warm and dry clothes for the journey home.
- Another Plunger! Recruit a friend, family member, co-worker, or acquaintance and get them to Plunge with you. It's always more fun to Plunge with someone!
- Do NOT dive or flip into the water. This is a safety precaution for all Plungers that is strictly enforced by the Dive Team.
- We advise you not to Plunge after drinking alcohol. Intoxicated people will not be permitted to Plunge.
- Leave valuables at home or with a spectator. Special Olympics New Jersey is not responsible for items that are lost or stolen.
- Try not to run out of the water after you Plunge. Keep in mind that everything is wet and slippery.
- Bring along warm clothes to wear after you Plunge that are easy to put on. The last things you want to deal with when you're cold and wet are clumsy zippers and buttons!
- Carpool! Parking can be crowded so help us out by coming as a group.
For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, personal drones are strictly prohibited at the Polar Bear Plunge. This includes bringing drones onto the event grounds, flying drones anywhere near the event area, including before, during, and after the plunge. Drones that violate this policy are subject to local police interception and confiscation.