A record number dive in

Annual Polar Bear Plunge brings in $550,000 for Special Olympics


REHOBOTH BEACH -- With a full beach and boardwalk, a bright sun and sea gulls in the air, anyone watching on TV might be forgiven for thinking it might be summer. But anyone dipping a toe -- much less their whole body -- into the ocean Sunday was quickly reminded of the correct season. A record number of people participated in Delaware's annual polar plunge, raising more money than ever, and giving this seaside resort a big offseason economic boost.
The event -- formally titled the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge after its origins slightly to the north -- benefited Special Olympics Delaware, an athletic training and competition program for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Despite the skin-reddening 36-degree water, it was an unusually safe time to be in the water, said Jon Buzby, the state Special Olympics' director of media relations. There were plenty of emergency personnel on hand, and two boats hovering offshore, just in case.

Nevertheless, this year's plunge, the 20th, continued its streak of no serious injuries, he said.

Buzby said 3,094 "Bears," or people raising a minimum of $50, participated -- up from last year's 2,683. They raised a record $550,000, which will go toward the Special Olympics program at 90 schools and 50 community groups, he said.

Special Olympics reports its program serves about 3,500 Delaware athletes, the highest number in its history.

The event has raised about $5.5 million during its 20 years in Delaware.