About Polar Plunge

• Overview
• Why Plunge
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• FAQs
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• Tim's Rivershore Plunge
• Liberty Polar Plunge
• Highlander Plunge

Below you will find frequently asked questions and answers about the Polar Plunge. If you have additional questions, please e-mail Debbie Apperson, Director of Development, or call her at 877.874.7462 (toll free) or 757.962.1575.

When is the Plunge?
The 2012 Polar Plunge is on Feb 4, 2012. The festival area opens at 10a.m.; the actual Plunge happens at 2:30 p.m. And don’t miss the Friday night (Feb. 3) Polar Plunge Party, the Saturday morning 5K or the 20th Anniversary Saturday Night Beach Bash. Visit our events page for details.

How many Polar Plunges and Plungers have there been?
Since its inception 19 years ago in 1993, more than 30,000 plungers have raised more than $6.5 million for Special Olympics Virginia. Last year, more than 3,200 plungers braved the icy water, raising more than $1 million! This year, help us top our $1 million dollar Plunge record and register to Plunge today!

Who can Plunge?
Anyone can Plunge – young and old! If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign your waiver form. Register today!

How do I register for the Polar Plunge?
Plungers are welcome to register online through firstgiving. You also can download a PDF of the registration form and bring it with your donation to either pre-registration or Plunge Day registration.

What's the minimum donation required?
For just $100 in pledges, you can Plunge! You’ll also receive the Polar Plunge® Winter Festival long-sleeve T-shirt and bragging rights over everyone who just couldn't bear it! Plus, the more money you raise, the more cool stuff you can get – like essential Plunge gear or a one-night hotel voucher for the weekend of the event. For more on this year’s Plunge incentives, visit our incentives page.

What happens if there is bad weather?
The Plunge will take place as long as it is safe for the plungers. If there is a change to the schedule, we will post the information on the homepage of the Polar Plunge Web site. There is no rain date. If we are forced to cancel, we hope you will still turn in your donations; you still will receive your incentive items.

Where will the Plunge be held?
Polar Plunge XX will be held on the Atlantic Ocean beach between 6th and 9th Streets in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

What is the actual Plunge?
The "Plunge" happens when all the thousands of plungers race into the Atlantic Ocean, within a safety perimeter established by EMS dive team members from around the state. Plungers set their own personal goals of how deep to go and how long they want to stay in (within the limits established by the EMS divers). Some plungers only get their ankles wet; others stay in and play until the dive team members make them leave the water. Diving into the shallow ocean water is prohibited and going completely underwater is discouraged since it makes it harder for the divers to determine individuals in distress.

Why have a safety perimeter with divers?
The Polar Plunge has always used EMS, police and Navy dive teams from around the state to keep the plungers safe. Our event is fun and wacky, but there is some risk from the water being so cold; winter storms also can raise the water currents. These highly trained individuals consider air and water temperature, current strengths, the amount of debris in the water and other surf conditions to determine both the maximum time plungers are allowed to stay in the water, as well as how far out plungers can go. For 19 years, these expert divers have kept all the plungers safe and this year will be no exception.

How does the Plunge occur?
Just prior to the actual Plunge, all the plungers enter the fenced in plunger-only area. Our water rescue dive team supervisor then briefs everyone on how to plunge safely. After the briefing, our Special Olympics athletes will be the first to Plunge. For their protection, we ask that everyone else hold back until they are safely out of the water. Then, we’ll signal to the rest of the crowd that it’s time to plunge. How far out you go and how long you stay in are up to you, as long as you are following the direction of the EMS team. Eventually, the dive team will escort the remaining plungers out of the water (there are always some who try to stay in the longest!).

I want to stay overnight! Are there special room rates?
Yes! Several local hotels extend special room rates to all Plungers. Visit our Hotels page for details about room rates and making reservations. Be certain to note that you want a room in the Polar Plunge Room Block to get the special room rate.

We want to sign up as a team. How do we do that?
We love teams! For more information and to sign up a team, visit our form a team page.

What if I'm cold or get cold easily?
We have full emergency crews, ambulances, search and rescue, and dive teams on site during the event. Members from area dive teams enter the water at Plunge time to make sure everyone stays safe. Besides, the water is generally a balmy 38 degrees, who can get cold in that?! Wawa also will be onsite with hot coffee so be sure to stop by their booth for a warm up!

I'm bringing my family and friends to watch me Plunge. Where can I park?
The Polar Plunge is a family affair so pack up your children, friends and neighbors so they can see you take your icy dip! Parking is available in the 9th Street parking garage (entrance is off 9th, between Atlantic and Pacific Avenues). We also will have free shuttles that run from the municipal lot at 19th Street. There is no fee to view the Plunge, but a $5 donation is required to access the heated tent and festival area on the beach.

Will there be food and beverages available?
Yes. Everything from hot coffee to hot sandwiches will be available at the event so come hungry!

Where can I change before and after the Plunge?
We will have male and female changing tents, so if you are not too modest, you will have a breeze-free place to change into or out of your suit.

If I can't collect all my "offline" pledges before the plunge, what do I do?
We can only register you for the amount of donations you bring with you to the Plunge, and the funds you've raised online through firstgiving. Separate checks are acceptable and should be made payable to Special Olympics Virginia. If you receive donations after the Plunge, please mail them to Special Olympics Virginia Polar Plunge, 184 Business Park Drive, Suite 202, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.