Polar Bear Plunge 2007
Polar Bear Plunge: Sea Isle City
February 17, 2007
The temperature at the Jersey Shore and all areas in the Tri State Region has been well below average for the past month. Frigid weather and snow and ice storms have brought almost everything to a halt. That is, except for the annual Polar Bear Plunge in Sea Isle City, NJ.
With the temperature reaching almost thirty, (about 10-20 degrees above what it has been), and a moderate wind, it is still very, very cold outside to take a plunge in the frigid water. Several hundred die hard fans signed up for this plunge and will run into the water, splash for a few seconds, and come running back out as fast as they can. The Tourism Development Commission said that more than 700 people paid the $25.00 fee and registered for this event.
Seven to ten thousand spectators, including myself, stood and watched as plungers, many with their decorated costumes came walking on the beach, took off their outer lining that was keeping them warm, and ran into the ocean with its frigid temperatures. I saw Santa Claus, Polar Bears, Shrek, Cowgirls, Smurf, and many other unique participants take the plunge. There was a costume contest in which the best of the best would be awarded.
The celebrity of the plunge, as she has been for many years was 82 year old Irene Jameson who arrived in her two piece bikini, covered by her white fur and tiara, while sitting on her ice, (Yes I said ICE), throne. Irene, a Sea Isle icon, was involved in starting the Polar Bear Plunge in Sea Isle thirteen years ago with her son Robert Jameson. Robert escorted his mother in the water who swears that this will definitely be her last year. She told reporters the same thing last year, but her popularity has made it difficult to end her reign as the “Ice Queen”.
The Polar Bear Plunge in Sea Isle City has become a weekend event that brings in owners and tourist out for a fun filled weekend in the dead of the winter. The Tourist Commission reports that between pledges and registration fees, this event should raise about $13,00.00 for free “Family-Oriented” tourism events in the City this year.