Experience chills and thrills at Long Island Polar Plunges
Dakota Villano (L) exits the water with her grandmother Denise Siebert (R) during the annual Oyster Bay Polar Plunge for the New York Special Olympics, March 19, 2022. Credit: Johnny Milano/Johnny Milano
Polar plunges are practically a rite of passage on Long Island, where the fun usually plays out several weekends between November and the spring thaw. Expect to pay a registration fee to participate in the event or put effort into getting donations on your behalf to sponsor your plunge. You'll want to register in advance so you're kept up to date on fundraising goals and any last-minute changes to the event.
FEBRUARY
LONG BEACH POLAR BEAR SUPER BOWL SPLASH
Riverside Boulevard, Long Beach, 212-957-9474, ext. 4583, wish.org/newyork. Benefits Make-A-Wish Foundation. Meet at 12:30 p.m. Fee Donation Date 1:30 p.m. Feb. 12.
MARCH
TOWN OF OYSTER BAY POLAR PLUNGE
Tobay Beach, Ocean Parkway east of Jones Beach, off Wantagh Parkway, Massapequa, 631-254-1465, polarplungeny.org. Benefits the athletes of the Special Olympics, registration starts at 10 a.m. Fee Donation Date March 25.
