Or if you want to support the Special Olympics, go jump in the ocean! At least this is what hundreds of people chose to do on Saturday morning in Seal Beach. Sponsored by the Seal Beach Police Association, February 9th marked the third anniversary of the Polar Bear Plunge. Participants team up to collect donations for the Special Olympics. Teams should consist of at least 10 people and donations are a minimum of $50 per teammate.

Other sponsors include Big Dogs, The Walking Company, CBS/KCAL, and Tesoro. Booths were set up along the entrance to the event and on the shoreline. A variety of sports gear was available, ranging from walking shoes and socks to surfboards. A representative from The Walking Company passed out coupons for free socks.

As onlookers lined the pier and beach, “plungers” gathered around in swimsuits, wet suits and costumes. A group dressed in polar bear costumes wait anxiously for the signal to “take the plunge” next to another colorful group dressed in black and white stripes with “inmate” stenciled across the front. As they all faced the ocean and anticipated the plunge into the 50+ degree water, behind them a fire department truck primed its hose. A blast from behind, and the plungers were doused! Then the countdown, and the yellow police tape released them for their run into the ocean. Amid squeals and laughter, the participants emerged from the ocean, wet, shivering and blue. Some brave souls ran back in for a second dip. All were invigorated, not only with their dip into the chilly, ocean waters, but with the knowledge that they contributed to a worthy cause.

“Let Me Win. But if I Cannot Win, Let Me Be Brave in the Attempt.” - Special Olympics Athlete Oath

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