NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Hundreds gathered in Atlantic City New Year’s morning to make a splash in the chilly ocean.
It was for National Polar Bear Plunge Day — the 32nd annual in Atlantic City.
The event raises thousands for the Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda’s Club.
Joanne from Upper Township appreciated the effort her granddaughter, Maddie of Galloway, made — staying in the water for more than 21 minutes.
… And that water? A crisp 46.6 degrees that some described as “bathwater.” The air temperature was about two degrees cooler.
So, where did this crazy idea come from?
The first recorded Polar Bear Plunge took place in Boston in 1904.
Canadians really took to the idea in the 1920s and thousands of plunges are now held around the world on New Year’s Day, including three at the Jersey Shore. Atlantic City’s has been around the longest.
A plunge in Brigantine benefits the Fisher House Foundation, which helps military families, and the one in Long Branch helps young people with intellectual disabilities and mental illnesses.