West new york police join nearly 7,000 plungers at seaside heights polar plunge

West New York police join nearly 7,000 plungers at Seaside Heights Polar Plunge

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1 min read
March 16, 2026

Thousands of participants, including West New York police officers, entered frigid ocean waters to raise money for Special Olympics New Jersey during Saturday’s annual Polar Plunge.

Seaside Heights, NJ – Members of the West New York Police Department joined thousands of participants Saturday for the annual Polar Plunge in Seaside Heights, helping raise funds for Special Olympics New Jersey.


Key Points

  • About 6,800 participants took part in the Polar Plunge in Seaside Heights.
  • West New York police officers joined the event to support Special Olympics New Jersey.
  • Participants entered 36-degree ocean water to raise funds for the program.

The fundraising event took place Saturday, when approximately 6,800 participants stepped into the Atlantic Ocean despite water temperatures of about 36 degrees.

Police officials said officers from the West New York Police Department joined supporters from across the state to participate in the plunge and raise money for Special Olympics New Jersey.

Event supports Special Olympics athletes

The Polar Plunge is held annually to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey and support programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Law enforcement agencies, community groups, and individual participants from across New Jersey attend the event each year to raise awareness and funding for the organization.

Officials from the department said they were proud to take part in the event and stand alongside thousands of others supporting Special Olympics athletes.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

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