February 8, 2025

Lenape Tech Times

The Monthly News Source from Lenape Technical School

The Ice Box: Polar Bear Plunge 

2 min read

By: Caleb Shaulis 

The Polar Bear Plunge is an event that happens yearly on January 1st.  This day is mainly used to raise money for groups, and includes a plunge into icy water. Many ask “Why would people put their bodies through a cold shock?” 

  The Polar Bear Plunge is usually only seen with negative side effects by scientists, however some studies they show a few benefits that come from the plunges. One benefit that was proven is that it can help regulate blood sugar. The way that it works is when the body becomes cold, it shivers which acts similarly to working out. Some scientists say that it could also boost the metabolic rate up to five times the normal resting rate. There are health risks to plunging into water that is 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit such as drowning from shock, hypothermia, and heart attacks all from the severe body temperature change. Indigo Bowser from Cosmo said “I think it’s a good idea especially for people who do sports. It would be very good for their muscles.”  

  The most common reason people do the plunge is to raise money for the Special Olympics. In U.S history the first ever Polar Bear Plunge was on New Year’s Day of 1902, in Boston, MA. A swim club called the L Street Brownies organized the event. People do the plunge every New Years. Some do it for health benefits, some for mental benefits, for the thrill, or to raise money. The people who do it for the thrill do it because if they withstand the extreme cold, everything from that point on will be easier and less stressful. During an interview with Calia Bennett, a student from ADT, she said, “I’ve heard so many stories of people doing the polar bear plunge! I feel like it’d be such an exciting thing to experience, but I doubt I could ever do it myself.” 

  C:\Users\240291\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.MSO\E49A72F2.tmpTo be prepared for the plunge, people bring things such as, towels, heavy clothing, a hot drink, a float, and a have a car ready with the warm air. A law enforcement group called the Torch Run is a group comprised of local, state, and federal officers that do the Polar Bear Plunge for the Special Olympics.  Before the event begins there are some activities that people can do before they participate or watch the plunge such as, music events, warm drinks, and games. After the plunge, most hosts provide a heated tent/changing area to warm up. 

  The Polar Plunge is meant to bring people together and have a good time. The plunge is an event that raises money for a wide variety of groups. The event brings a good time and shows that even if people don’t feel like it, they can overcome anything. 

Citations: Funboy.com         nationalday.com          polarplunge.net          lake.com 

I think it’s a good idea especially for people who do sports. It would be very good for their muscles.   

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