Seaside Heights Polar Bear Plunge Returns Feb. 28 to Fund Special Olympics

Thousands of cold-plunge fans and community supporters will head to Seaside Heights on Feb. 28 to take the Polar Bear Plunge and raise money for Special Olympics New Jersey. The event returns to 315 Boardwalk as a key fundraiser that powers training sessions and competitions for athletes across the state.

Registration opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 11:30 a.m., with the plunge kicking off at 1 p.m. Participants can sign up to jump solo or join a team. Special Olympics New Jersey counts on this plunge as a major source of income each year, making every registration and donation directly meaningful to local athletes and programs.

If you want to join, visit plungeseaside.org for registration forms, fundraising tips, and event details. The site includes guidance on setting up a fundraiser and spreading the word about Special Olympics New Jersey, which helps teams and coaches deliver year-round practices and statewide competitions.

The plunge’s return marks a comeback to the shore town after years of strong turnout. Previous plunges brought massive crowds to the boardwalk when winter still had its grip on the coast, and organizers expect spectators and participants to recreate that lively atmosphere. For regulars in the cold-water community, the event is more than a one-time shock to the system; it’s an annual ritual that combines fundraising with the shared experience of a true cold plunge.

Practical details matter for anyone taking part: register during the posted window to secure your spot, consider joining or forming a fundraising team, and use the fundraising tools available on plungeseaside.org to maximize support for athletes. Community members who prefer not to jump can still support the event by donating, cheering from the boardwalk, or sharing participant fundraising pages.

For Seaside Heights, the Polar Bear Plunge is as much a community moment as it is a fundraiser. It brings people together, spotlights Special Olympics New Jersey’s programs, and channels the boardwalk’s energy into direct support for athletes statewide. Whether you plan to take the plunge, form a team, or simply watch, the event offers a clear way to back local athletes and be part of a long-standing winter tradition.