The Polar Bear Plunge, which benefits Special Olympics Delaware is planned for Sunday, February 1 in Rehoboth Beach at 1 PM. The air temperature is expected to be below 30 degrees and water temperatures hover at around 40 degrees. This will not stop thousands of hearty souls from jumping into the ocean.
The Polar Bear Plunge began when the Lewes Polar Bears Club, led by Dave “Da Bear” Frederick, began plunging into the ocean in 1982. The club plunges five times each year at Cape Henlopen State Park on the first Sunday of every month from November through March, except January when they plunge on New Year’s Day.
In 1991, Special Olympics Delaware approached the club with the proposition of dedicating one of their plunges to benefit the organization. The club agreed to February, and the 1992 February plunge was dedicated to Special Olympics Delaware. At the first event, 78 people took the plunge and raised $7,000. In 2025, over 4,400 bears took the plunge, raising $1.3 million.
The Plunge has expanded from one day to an entire weekend of celebration. The event begins Friday, January 30 with discounts at participating restaurants and retailers for plungers. Registration and souvenirs are from 4 to 7 PM at the Rehoboth Convention Center that evening.
On Saturday, January 31, the 5k Run for the Plunge takes place with a race start at 10 AM on the boardwalk at Rehoboth Avenue. A Sand Sculpting Demonstration is planned from 10 AM to 3 PM in front of Candy Kitchen on the beach. Fire & Ice Festivities run form Noon to 2 PM at the Atlantic Sands Hotel & Conference Center. From 2:30 to 5 PM, a restaurant chili contest takes place at participating restaurants. Registration continues from 4 to 7 PM at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
On Sunday, February 1, an ice sculpting demonstration takes places from 9 AM to Noon in tents on Rehoboth Avenue near the bandstand. The Sand Sculpting Demonstration continues from 9 AM to 1 PM. Registration will be available from 10 AM to 12:55 PM in tents on Rehoboth Avenue near the bandstand. The plunge will happen at 1 PM with an Apres’ Plunge Part planned, starting at 1:15 PM in the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
For those who cannot attend the plunge in person, a virtual option is available. Find a Plunge Checklist and registration information by visiting Plunge DE online.
