What Is The Polar Plunge In Minnesota?

What is the Polar Plunge?

The Polar Plunge is an annual fundraising event where participants brave frigid waters in the middle of winter to support Special Olympics athletes. It involves jumping or diving into a body of cold water, such as a lake, river or ocean. According to the official Polar Plunge website, it is “the largest grassroots fundraiser and one of the signature events” for Special Olympics.

The concept originated from police officers doing a fundraiser swim in December to support Special Olympics. The first recorded “Polar Bear Plunge” took place in Boston in 1904, when a group of swimmers took a dip in the frigid ocean waters. Similar charity swims were held sporadically in the early 1900s. Modern Polar Plunges started in the 1980s as an annual tradition to raise money for Special Olympics. They have since grown into massive regional and national events drawing thousands of participants each year.

Polar Plunges typically take place outdoors during the winter months of January or February. Participants collect pledges from sponsors who donate money for them to take the chilly plunge. Plungers then gather at beaches, lakes, or pools to briefly submerge themselves in near-freezing water. It is meant to be exhilarating, invigorating and fun. Many wear costumes, plunging as teams or groups. After quickly emerging from the water, plungers then celebrate their accomplishment.

When and Where Does it Take Place?

The Polar Plunge takes place annually at various locations across Minnesota, typically in the winter months of January and February. For 2024, there are over 20 Polar Plunge events scheduled between January 13th and February 25th in cities like Duluth, Rochester, Prior Lake, and Minneapolis.

The two flagship Plunge events are held in Prior Lake on February 11th and in Minneapolis on February 25th. These mass participation plunges regularly attract thousands of plungers and spectators.

Most Polar Plunge events start between 9am and noon. Plungers take a quick dip into frigid Minnesota waters, usually lakes. The plunges only last a few seconds, but the festivities carry on for several hours with food, drinks, music, bonfires, and other activities.

While the main plunges are held on weekends, there are also weekday plunges scheduled during the Polar Plunge season, like the Prior Lake Plunge on Thursday, February 9th starting at 4pm.

Who Participates?

The Polar Plunge attracts a wide range of participants from various demographics. While many plungers are individuals, it’s also common for groups and organizations to take the plunge together. Some of the most common demographics and groups include:

College students – Many colleges have student groups that organize polar plunge teams as fundraisers. It’s popular among young adults for the thrill and camaraderie.

High school groups – Like colleges, high school sports teams, clubs, and classes often form teams to plunge together.

Corporate teams – Companies put together polar plunging teams as team building exercises and fundraisers. It’s a popular activity to build camaraderie.

Law enforcement – Police and firefighter groups frequently plunge, sometimes even in uniform. It builds solidarity and raises money for charities.

Community organizations – Rotary clubs, chambers of commerce, and other civic groups participate as a way to build community spirit.

Families – Parents and kids, grandparents and grandkids – plunging is an exciting family activity.

Individuals – All kinds of daring individuals take the plunge solo. Some even wear crazy costumes.

People of all ages participate, from kids to seniors. Anybody can take the plunge if they’re brave enough to face the cold!

Why Do People Do It?

People participate in the Polar Plunge for a variety of reasons. The most common is to raise money for Special Olympics Minnesota through sponsored plunge events. Plungers ask friends, family members and colleagues to sponsor their plunge with a donation to this charitable organization (https://www.plungemn.org/about/). According to the Special Olympics website, the Polar Plunge has become one of their largest annual fundraisers (https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/impact/polar-plunge-for-special-olympics).

For many plungers, the Polar Plunge provides an opportunity to support a cause they deeply care about. By inspiring sponsors and taking the chilly plunge, participants can make a tangible impact. The plunge also helps raise awareness for Special Olympics and gives plungers a sense of pride and accomplishment.

In addition, plunging into freezing water is seen as an exhilarating adventure. Some plungers are motivated by the thrill of doing something extreme and outrageous. The plunge allows them to challenge themselves while supporting Special Olympics athletes.

What Charities Benefit?

The main charity that benefits from the Polar Plunge is Special Olympics. Funds raised from the plunges go to support Special Olympics Minnesota and the over 8,200 athletes who participate in local, regional, and state competitions. According to the Polar Plunge website, the event is Special Olympics Minnesota’s largest fundraiser, bringing in over $3 million annually.

Other organizations like the Law Enforcement Torch Run also raise money through the plunges. They partner with Special Olympics Minnesota to organize plunges across the state. The funds support their mission to increase awareness and raise funds for Special Olympics.

Additionally, individuals and teams often use the Polar Plunge to raise money for other causes and nonprofits. Participants can raise funds for a charity of their choice while also supporting Special Olympics Minnesota through the plunge registration fees.

What to Wear and Bring

When it comes to attire for the Polar Plunge, the general rule of thumb is “less is more.” Many plungers opt to wear swimsuits or shorts and a t-shirt that can get wet and be easily discarded before and after the plunge [1]. Costumes are also popular, ranging from superhero outfits to silly getups. The Plunge Experience pageant awards prizes for best individual and group costumes [2].

To prepare for the cold, most plungers grease exposed skin with lubricants like petroleum jelly or coconut oil. Wearing a beanie, gloves, and shoes can protect extremities from the cold. Bring a large, warm towel or robe to immediately cover up with after emerging from the water [1]. It’s also wise to pack a complete change of dry, warm clothing. Waterproof bags are handy for storing personal items [3].

The Plunge Experience

The Polar Plunge experience begins when participants arrive at the designated beach or lake. There is usually an energetic atmosphere as plungers prepare to take the chilly dive. Many wear fun costumes or coordinated team outfits. Spectators line up along the shore or docks to cheer on the brave plungers.

Before taking the plunge, participants can enjoy warm drinks, snacks, and activities in the pre-event area. This helps generate excitement and camaraderie among plungers. There are often contests for best costume and team spirit. A DJ provides upbeat music to keep energy levels high.

When it’s time for the plunge, participants line up at the water’s edge. At the signal, with spectators cheering wildly, plungers run, walk, or dive into the icy water. The experience is thrilling and exhilarating. Many immediately exit the water, while some swim around or dunk themselves. Volunteers are on hand to assist plungers.

After the plunge, the celebration continues with more music, changing areas, hot tubs, and celebrations of accomplishment. There is a strong sense of community and accomplishment among plungers and spectators. The Polar Plunge is an unforgettable shared experience.

Safety and Health Considerations

While polar plunges can be thrilling experiences, they do come with some health and safety risks that participants should be mindful of. The sudden plunge into near-freezing water can cause the body to go into shock. According to experts, this can cause gasping, hyperventilation, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and even cardiac arrest in susceptible individuals (source).

To reduce the risks, medical experts recommend that people with heart conditions, respiratory issues, diabetes, or hypertension should avoid polar plunges altogether. Even for healthy participants, it’s important to take proper precautions like gradually acclimating to cold water before the plunge, wearing foot protection, having emergency services on standby, and not fully submerging the head (source). Moderating alcohol intake and following the advice of on-site medical staff can also help reduce risks.

While exhilarating, polar plunges can pose health hazards if not done carefully. Taking proper medical precautions, acclimating slowly, and following safety advice can help reduce the risks.

Notable Records and Achievements

The Polar Plunge in Minnesota has seen some impressive records over the years. In February 2022, the event set a new record with over 2,300 participants plunging into Lake Waconia and raising over $730,000 for Special Olympics Minnesota, according to an article on Hometown Source (https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_patriot/community/polar-plunge-sets-new-record-in-waconia/article_c01c4f8e-cf30-11ee-8795-b7736f7a0b54.html).

In 2022, the event as a whole raised nearly $1.5 million across all Minnesota Polar Plunge locations, a new record high according to Special Olympics Minnesota (https://www.somi.org/news/record-setting-polar-plunge-season). The annual event regularly brings in over $1 million to support Special Olympics programming and events.

The Plunge at Lake Waconia has grown into one of the largest Plunge events in the country. Other notable large Plunges in Minnesota include those at Prior Lake which drew over 1,000 plungers in 2021.

How to Get Involved

There are several ways you can take part in the Polar Plunge in Minnesota, whether by plunging yourself or supporting the event.

Registering to Plunge

If you want to take the plunge, you can register online starting in October each year at plungesomn.org. Registration costs $75 for adults and $50 for students. The fee goes toward benefiting Special Olympics Minnesota. You can join an existing team or start your own.

Volunteering

Volunteering is crucial to making the Plunge happen. Positions include event setup, medical support, photo/video, and more. Sign up to volunteer on the Polar Plunge website. Volunteers get an official t-shirt and the chance to support this great cause.

Spectating

Attending the Plunge as a spectator is free and open to the public. It’s an exciting atmosphere as plungers take the chilly dive while supporters cheer them on. Consider bringing signs and noisemakers to encourage the plungers.