Oyster Bay ‘Polar Bears’ look to warmer weather

It was a cold, rainy day last year when more than 200 people jumped into the waters off Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay to raise money for the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Inc., according to Patricia Quinn, the association’s community outreach manager.

Quinn said Thursday she hopes the current milder weather will bring out double that number for this year’s Polar Bear Plunge.

The eighth annual event is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. at the park, with swimmers taking the plunge at 2 p.m., Oyster Bay Town officials said.

Town Supervisor John Venditto, an honorary co-chairman of the event, in a statement called those volunteering to swim “brave souls.”

Nearly $13,000 had been raised as of  Thursday through online fundraising and Quinn said organizers hope to soon top last year’s total of $50,000.

“It is a fun day that has something for everyone,” she said in a statement. “The swimmers clearly get a big thrill from taking the plunge and all those on shore enjoy lots of laughs.” For more information, visit ucpn.org.

Sarah Feingold, of North Amityville, swims in 44-degree water during the 6th annual Polar Bear Plunge at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay. (March 7, 2010)