Tips for a Bearable Plunge
Whether you are joining us in-person or virtually, here are some great tips to make your Plunge the best and safest experience it can be!
IN-Person
If you are joining us on Sunday in
Rehoboth Beach, the following tips will keep
your toes warm (well sort of) and your
Plunge safe (for sure!).
Before the Plunge
- Make sure that you have:
- Met the $75 fundraising requirement
- Moved any necessary team money
- Turned in any offline funds (or are ready to turn them in at check-in).
- PRO TIP: Take advantage of one of our early check-in opportunities so that all you have to do on Sunday is show up.
- Give yourself plenty of time to get settled into Rehoboth Beach Sunday morning.
- Click here for more information on traffic and parking.
What to Bring
- Bring a robe – great for wearing while waiting to go in and great to slip on as you dry off.
- Keep your feet covered until the last possible moment and consider wearing water shoes or something on your feet into the water.
- Bring extra towels or a blanket to stand on – remember, the sand is like ice!
- Wear layers and loose-fitting clothes, which are easier to get into when your fingers are cold.
Staying Safe
- Spread out on the beach.
- Follow all directions from safety personnel.
- DO NOT dive into or enter the water head-first.
- DO NOT swim past the safety divers in the water.
- DO NOT go near the jetties.
- Plunge with a friend – use the buddy system.
- Tents and drones are NOT allowed on the beach per City of Rehoboth Beach.
- Pets are strongly discouraged on the beach for their own safety and the safety of the Bears plunging.
Virtual
If you are Plunging from your backyard,
schoolyard, or anywhere else you can think
of, the tips below will help BEAR-antee a
fun, safe Virtual Plunge.
Before the Plunge
- Make sure that you have:
- Met the $75 fundraising requirement
- Moved any necessary team money
- Turned in any offline funds.
- Get creative and think through the logistics of your Plunge – pick your date and time, decide the method you will use to be bold and get cold.
- Line someone up to take photos and videos – maybe you can promote your towel holder to a photographer.
What to Bring
- Bring a robe and wear layers and loose- fitting clothes, which are easier to get into when your fingers are cold.
- Bring extra towels or a blanket.
- Make sure you have any necessary supplies (kiddie pool, sprinkler, ice, water balloons, bucket).
- Think through your after-Plunge plans – Are you stepping right into a heated home? Do you have to get in a car?
Staying Safe
- Please keep in mind the in-person Plunge is safe because we have a professional dive team in the water and a Safety Team of emergency responders on site.
- Do NOT attempt anything that could physically harm yourself or others.
- Special Olympics Delaware is not responsible for any injuries that occur while participating in the Virtual Plunge.
“This is the 2nd Polar Bear Plunge for this group of grade schoolers. They all attend St. Mary Magdalen in Wilmington. Last year, one student invited her friends to do the Plunge as part of her birthday celebration, and The Hot Cocoa Friends were born. They enjoyed it so much, they plan on doing it every year!“
Hot Cocoa Friends of Ryan Team
Be a part of the fun, be a Bear!
Connect With Us!
Special Olympics Delaware
619 South College Ave.
Newark, Delaware 19716
302.831.4653