Seaside Heights ‘Polar Plunge’ Has Already Raised Nearly $2M, Will Be Held Saturday

Participants in the 2019 Seaside Heights Polar Plunge. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

The Seaside Heights annual Polar Plunge has raised almost $2 million before it even started, and will take place under slightly warmer-than-usual conditions this weekend after being postponed due to foul weather last month.

The plunge, which support Special Olympics New Jersey, is one of the signature events in Seaside Heights each winter. This year, the plunge will be held Saturday, March 14, which according to the National Weather Service will be a sunny-but-windy day with a high of 48 degrees. The ocean water temperature is 39 degrees, according to a local surf forecasting website.

More importantly, the “Freezin’ for a Reason” slogan is especially true this year, with donations totaling $1,963,740 by Friday morning. Organizers hope to raise $2.5 million this year. Top teams for fundraising this year include the “2nd Avenue Freeze-Out” team, which has raised $82,462; the state Knights of Columbus “Polar Penguins,” which has raised $74,933; and the “CAT Crew,” which has raised $47,776.

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Participants in the 2015 Seaside Heights Polar Plunge, Feb. 21, 2015. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Prospective plungers who have not yet signed up can do so online, or in person, with registration beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday at Blaine Avenue and Ocean Terrace. The plunge itself takes place at 1 p.m., with plungers allowed to enter the event area at 11:30 a.m. The plunge location is on the beach in front of Spicy Cantina. Plungers will enter in front of Lucky Leo’s Arcade and must present their wristband to security at the boardwalk entrance ramps to access the beach.

Ocean Terrace will be closed to vehicle traffic from Sherman to Sumner avenues and accessible to pedestrians only. Plungers are encouraged to travel along Ocean Terrace to access the beach entrance points. Plungers do not need to enter the boardwalk near Spicy Cantina to access the beach. A livestream of the event will run on its website.

A full slate of information on the event is also available on the website.