SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. — Thousands of participants are set to take the plunge into the frigid Atlantic Ocean on Saturday as part of the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights, a fundraiser supporting Special Olympics New Jersey.
The event, presented by New Jersey Law Enforcement as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run® fundraising series, kicks off at 9 a.m. with registration at Blaine Avenue. Plungers will head to the beach by 11:30 a.m., with the official plunge set for 1 p.m. in front of Spicy Cantina on the boardwalk.
With more than 8,000 participants and thousands of spectators expected, officials have implemented strict access rules. Spectators will not be allowed on the beach for safety reasons, and plungers must show wristbands at designated boardwalk entry points. A Family Plunge Area will be available for registered families and minors, with access limited to those with white wristbands.
Ocean Terrace will be closed to vehicle traffic between Sherman and Sumner avenues, and designated entrances and exits have been assigned to manage crowd flow. Drone use is prohibited.
For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed, with details to be announced.
Thousands will brave the icy waters in a show of support for New Jersey’s Special Olympics athletes.
