What is the Polar Plunge?
The Polar Plunge is a series of events where people go to the extreme to support Special Olympics Minnesota.
Is there an age requirement to Plunge?
Nope! Children are more than welcome to participate in the Plunge, and that decision is left to the sole discretion of a parent or guardian. Individuals under the age of 18 are required to have a parent or guardian present at the Plunge at all times.
How deep is the water?
It depends. A consistent depth cannot be guaranteed at every Plunge location. At most locations the water is around waist deep. If you are concerned about the water depth, please talk with the professionally trained dive team in the water prior to Plunging.
What if there’s no ice on the lake?
We’ve been hosting Polar Plunge events for over two decades, so we’ve seen all kinds of weather. Whether we’re jumping into a hole in the ice or running in from the beach, the water will be cold and spirits will be high! No matter the ice conditions, we’re committed to hosting a fun and safe event.
What do I wear to the Plunge?
You can wear whatever you want, as long as it’s appropriate! Many people like to dress up or coordinate costumes with their team members. Please note that Plungers must wear shoes at all times.
What should I bring to the Plunge?
– Towel. To dry off and warm up with!
– Old or waterproof shoes. All Plungers must wear shoes at all times.
– Plastic bag. To transport your wet clothes.
– Dry change of clothes. Don’t forget a dry pair of underwear!
– Another Plunger! Recruit a friend, family member, coworker (whoever!) to take the Plunge with you!
Where do I change clothes before and after Plunging?
Separate men’s and women’s changing areas available. Law enforcement officials will be present and monitor the area. Special Olympics Minnesota is not responsible for any personal items that are lost, misplaced or damaged at a Polar Plunge.
Can I sign up for a Plunge time ahead of time?
Yes! Plunge timeslots open approximately three days before the in-person Plunge date.
When do I receive my incentives?
If you are participating in an in-person Plunge, you will receive your incentives upon check-in at the event. Incentives earned are based on the amount of money received in the Plungers account at the time of check-in.
If you are participating in the Virtual Plunge, your incentives will be mailed to the address entered during registration. Please make sure that the address on your account is where you would like incentives to arrive at the end of the Plunge season.
Special Olympics Minnesota is not responsible for replacing or exchanging incentives that are missing, sized incorrectly or damaged as a result of normal wear.
Can I purchase incentives?
After the Plunge season is complete, limited quantities of incentives will become available for purchase in our online shop.
What steps are you taking to ensure safety at the Plunge?
We want to make sure that you feel safe and comfortable at our in-person Plunge events. We’re carefully monitoring all recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and will update plans accordingly as the season progresses.
We encourage staff, participants and volunteers to please stay home if you do not feel well, have any COVID-19 symptoms or are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
If you are unable to make it to your scheduled in-person Plunge, please consider joining us for the Virtual Plunge where you can have fun and make an impact from the comfort and safety of your own home.
Is alcohol allowed at the Polar Plunge?
Outside alcohol is not permitted anywhere on or around a Plunge location.
Where are Polar Plunge photos posted?
Photos will be posted to the Polar Plunge Flickr page after each event. All photos are captured by our amazing volunteer photographers. Because we rely on volunteers, Special Olympics Minnesota cannot guarantee photos of every participant taking the Plunge.
What is the Polar Plunge cancellation policy?
Special Olympics Minnesota reserves the right to cancel an event due to inclement weather or safety concerns. If a Plunge is canceled, charitable contributions will not be refunded. You will have the opportunity to transfer your registration to a different location or the Virtual Plunge, and you will still receive your earned incentives.
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