Tips to Remember for the Duluth Polar Bear Plunge

One month from today we'll be freezing for a reason.  Jumping into Lake Superior.  In February.  The Mix 108 Miracles team is ready!  Are you plunging?  From our local law enforcement friends, here are a few tips and policies to remember as we get ready to plunge February 16th to raise money for the Special Olympics of Minnesota!

Things To Do

Wear your Plunge costume right under the outfit you wear to the event. This way, you don't have to worry about changing and can stay warm longer!

Wear a costume that's appropriate and non-discriminatory. Anyone wearing an offensive costume won't be allowed to Plunge.

Bring along warm clothes to wear after you Plunge that are easy to put on. The last thing you want to deal with when you're cold and wet are clumsy zippers and buttons!

Carpool. Parking can be crowded, so help us out by coming as a group. Take advantage of Plunge shuttle services if they're available!

Invite a friend to watch, take pictures and hold onto your dry stuff for you.

Use the men's and women's changing tents.

Leave valuables at home or with a spectator. Special Olympics Minnesota is not responsible for items that are lost or stolen.

Leave yourself plenty of time to make it to the Plunge location. If your event offers Plunge time slots, be sure to arrive early and give yourself enough time to change and get ready.

Things Not to Do

Do NOT dive or flip into the water. This is a safety precaution for all Plungers that is strictly enforced by the Dive Team.

We advise you not to Plunge after drinking alcohol. Intoxicated people will not be permitted to Plunge.

Do not run out of the water after your Plunge. Keep in mind that everything is wet and slippery. Be careful as you make your way to the changing tents and/or water.

Do not try to be first in line and don't feel rushed to get into the Plunge line. You may just end up waiting extra long in the cold! This also allows you to Plunge when it's less congested and makes for a better Plunge photo.

What to Bring

Another Plunger. Recruit a friend, family member, co-worker or acquaintance and get them to take the Plunge with you. It's always more fun with friends!

Old shoes, aquatic shoes, etc. All Plungers must wear shoes to Plunge. You'll have to walk out on the ice and sometimes wait a moment for others to jump, so please wear a pair of shoes that you don't mind getting wet. Don't forget to bring a pair of dry shoes to wear afterwards!

Make sure to bring at least one towel with which to dry off and warm up.

Dry replacement clothes. After you're done Plunging, it's nice to have some warm and dry replacement clothes for the journey home.

A duffel bag, backpack, garbage bag (to keep wet separate from dry), etc. It's a good idea to bring a bag with you for dry clothes and a Plunge incentive as well as a plastic bag for your wet clothes after you've Plunged.

If you own one, bring along a disposable, waterproof camera to get some action shots!

Have you taken the Plunge before and have suggestions? Send tips or questions to polarbearplunge@somn.org.

Plunge Policies

No diving or flips allowed.

All Plungers must sign a participant waiver in order to participate in the Plunge. Those under 18 must have their waiver signed by an adult as well.

All Plungers must raise a minimum of $75 to participate. Teams must raise a minimum of $75 per person to participate.

Costumes are encouraged but must be appropriate for this family friendly event. Plungers wearing something we consider inappropriate will be asked by event staff or law enforcement personnel to change, or will not be allowed to Plunge.

All Plungers must wear shoes. Shoes should strap on to your feet so that they do not come off when you jump into the water.

Special Olympics Minnesota is not responsible for any items lost or stolen at the event. Leave your valuables at home!

The Polar Bear Plunges are alcohol-free events. Plunges are family events, and law enforcement personnel have the right to remove any participants or spectators who do not adhere to this policy.

Possession of open containers or other illegal substances, public intoxication, lewd or inappropriate costumes or disorderly conduct are all considered grounds for removal from the Plunge.

The Plunge festivities will go on regardless of the weather. If weather requires the actual Plunging portion of the event to be canceled, we will still be at the registration site to collect donations and distribute incentives. Plungers can always choose to transfer their account to a different location and Plunge at a different time instead. If there are last-minute weather issues or other announcements, all Plungers will be sent updates to the email address associated with their accounts. Updates will also be posted to the Plunge location Web pages.

Be respectful of others. Remember, we're all here for the same reason: to support Special Olympics Minnesota and HAVE FUN!