Ocean Lakes 22nd Annual Polar Bear Plunge
Guests are “Freezin’ for a Reason” to Help Local Food Banks
Update at 1:30 PM | Due to the dense fog, Beach Patrol is only allowing 100 people to run in at a time. We will begin the first wave of people at 2 PM. The DJ is on the Observation Deck playing now!
12.31.22, 10:30 AM | POLAR PLUNGE ALERT | Due to the weather EVOLVING, the rain should hold off until after the plunge. We will hold the Polar Bear Plunge as normally planned (3 PM PLUNGE at the OBSERVATION DECK).
The Polar Bear will still be in the Recreation Center for pictures. (The plan below will be our backup.) After the plunge, t-shirts can be picked up at the Coffee & Creamery. Be sure to wear your wristband. If you have not picked up your wristbands, please head to the Recreation Office to receive them. If you have not registered, we ONLY have Youth Small t-shirt size available.
NOTE: We are closely MONITORING the weather for everyone’s SAFETY. Stay tuned.
We apologize for any confusion – THE WEATHER HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN!
12.31.22, 9 AM | POLAR PLUNGE BACKUP PLAN |
Due to the weather, the Polar Bear Plunge will look a little different this year. Here is the plan:
From 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM, all plungers can gather in the Recreation Center for pictures with the Polar Bear and the DJ (before or after they plunge). Registrants can arrive on the beach as early as 1:30 PM. As small groups of plungers arrive on the beach, we will read the pledge, then allow them to take the plunge.
After the plunge, t-shirts can be picked up at the Coffee & Creamery. Be sure to wear your wristband.
If you have not picked up your wristbands, please head to the Recreation Office to receive them. If you have not registered, we ONLY have youth small t-shirts available.
If there are thunderstorms, we will push back the plunge until safe to do so.
IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY, PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE OCEAN LAKES APP.
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Our winter Ocean Lakes Tradition. More than 800 guests participate in this event!
“We’re freezin’ for a reason!” The Plunge takes place on Dec. 31 at 3 PM – what a way to end the year! Join this exclusive club by taking a dip in the Atlantic. It all began with three brave souls. The numbers increase annually as brave (crazy) guests take the plunge. From young to old, they always have a great time! Heads up: you must immerse your body from head to toe (yes, your head must get wet) – this is a Polar Bear Plunge, not a Turtle Toe Touch, LOL.
Participants are asked to bring two non-perishable canned items to help our friends at South Strand Helping Hand, which provides support and resources to the needy in our community. Registration is $12 and you must donate two nonperishable items per person in the Recreation Office or donate a minimum of $2 per person when registering online. The membership fee includes entry into the Polar Bear Plunge, a T-shirt naming participants a “Polar Bear,” and bragging rights.
Pre-Plunge party kicks off at 1:30 p.m. on the beach by the Observation Deck. Our live DJ will get you pumped up with music while guests snap a photo with our polar bear mascot.
Individuals who sign up ONLINE must pick up their wristbands and packets in the Recreation Office starting on December 29th. Packets must be picked up by NOON on December 31st.
SHIRT SIZE | Please put your name and the requested t-shirt size in the “Name” field when registering. If you do not include your t-shirt size, you will NOT be guaranteed to receive your desired size.
NOTE | This event is open ONLY to guests staying in Ocean Lakes and our annual lease site holders.
So, where will you be this New Year’s Eve day? We hope you’ll join our “happy campers” and celebrate the New Year!