CULLMAN, Ala. – Brave – very brave – participants jumped into icy waters for a great cause Saturday morning, Jan. 31.
It was a balmy 18 degrees (with windchills clocking in just below zero!), when the annual Polar Bear Plunge took place at WildWater and the Cullman Wellness & Aquatic Center. Did we mention there was snow falling??
Despite frigid temperatures and icy conditions on the pool deck, just over 100 people registered to take the plunge (into the 31-degree pool), raising funds for Special Olympics of Alabama.
The Polar Bear Plunge gives participants the opportunity to donate directly to Special Olympics programs that serve athletes across the state, said WildWater General Manager Michael Schwitek. “Anything that participants donate stays within the state of Alabama. We’re not a middleman in it. One hundred percent of the donations go straight to Special Olympics.”
Schwitek said organizers were initially concerned about turnout due to the weather, especially with snow and ice creating colder-than-usual conditions. Unlike previous years, when ice was added to the water to heighten the challenge, Mother Nature did the job this time.
“The atmosphere is very exciting,” Schwitek said Saturday morning. “People are excited, but also nervous. Last year it was warm, so this was a completely different environment.”
Schwitek, who has worked in parks and water parks for more than 20 years, said his familiarity with similar events across the country inspired his involvement. He added that participants are often motivated by both the cause and the unique experience.
“It’s for a good cause,” he said. “There are also health benefits to cold-water exposure in limited amounts, and it makes for a great photo opportunity.”
Saturday’s plunge marked the fifth consecutive year CWAC has hosted the event. Organizers confirmed plans are already in place to continue the tradition next year.
