What to expect at the Madison Polar Plunge
The water at the Plunge hole is typically over 6 ft deep and the distance to exit of the water is about 12 ft. The water will go over your head when you jump in. Remember that there is a last minute option of doing the “chicken dance” if you become frightened or overwhelmed at the prospect of Plunging.
Trained Divers, Fire Department, and EMTs are on site at the hole for assistance with those who aren’t strong swimmers or for accidents.
Suggestions of what to bring:
- A towel. Towels are one of the incentive items, but all Plungers are encouraged to bring their own in case we run out or you don’t reach that incentive level.
- Old Shoes/flip flops/aquatic shoes. You will have to walk out on the ice and sometimes wait a moment for others to jump so please bring and wear an old pair of shoes that you won’t mind getting wet as well as dry replacement shoes.
- Duffel Bag/Backpack/garbage bag (to keep wet separate from dry). It’s a good idea to bring a bag with you for dry clothes and to put wet clothes when you are done Plunging.
- Dry replacement clothes. After you’re done Plunging it is nice to have some dry/warm replacement clothes for the journey home.
There will be security in each changing tent, but please know that sometimes items go missing. Special Olympics Wisconsin is not responsible for lost or missing items. If you have something valuable please DO NOT leave it in the changing tent, but have a friend hang onto it or put it onto one of the tables outside near the Plunge hole when you're in the water.
Lost and Found will be located in the Concession Tent near the food table at the Volunteer check-in station. After the Plunge is over all “valuable” lost and found items will go to Special Olympics Offices at 5900 Monona Dr. #403; Madison, WI 53716. Please call 608-221-2900 to inquire about missing items or email Jweichelt@specialolympicswisconsin.org
A high amount of Plungers typically leave wet old shoes and wet clothing in the changing tent. All of these items are thrown in the dumpster immediately following the event and are not kept since they are usually meant to be discarded.
