The time to get “freezin’ for a reason” is almost here! Join me Feb. 24, as I broadcast live from the Spicy Cantina in Seaside Heights for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge! We'll be playing Jersey’s favorite hits from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. as we help raise BIG money for Special Olympics New Jersey. Brought to you in part by Barenjager honey liqueur and honey bourbon.

We've assembled some important information to help make this year's plunge the best yet. We look forward to seeing you down there and making it another record breaking year at the 25th Polar Bear Plunge!


Why Take the Plunge?


Last year nearly 7,000 swimmers took to the icy waters to help raise money for Special Olympics NJ. Together, we raised over $1.9 million in 2017, setting a new Polar Bear Plunge record! Each year the money you help raise goes directly to Special Olympics New Jersey, a non-profit organization that provides free year-round sports training and athletic competition for more than 25,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities. We’re looking to beat that total again this year and set another new record. If you can't make it to the plunge but still want to be a part of this year's fundraising you can donate here.


Registration and Location


The deadline to register online is 9:00 a.m. on Feb. 21, 2018. After which you will only be able to register on-site as an individual Plunger for $125.00. Check-in and registration tents will be located between Blaine Ave. and Grant Ave. one block from the beach. Registration is from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the plunge is at 1:00 p.m. Big Joe will be broadcasting from the top of the Spicy Cantina located at 500 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751. Heated changing tents for the Plungers will be located on the beach next to the Seaside Heights Beach Headquarters.


Staying Updated


Text "plunge" to 82149 to get updates from SONJ and download the New Jersey 101.5 app on your smart phone. With our app you will have access to all our information the day of the plunge. You'll get push notification updates throughout the day, and you can submit your photos while at the plunge to be part of our big photo contest!


Send us your pics


If you're going, we want proof! Download the New Jersey 101.5 app and send us your best plunge-day pics for a chance to win a $150 all-purpose gift card. Second prize isn't too shabby either, with a $50 gift card. Joe will announce the winner on air before the broadcast is over, so if you're still around, you can even pick up your prize in person.


Traffic


Plan to arrive early to avoid getting caught in heavy traffic. Also you might want to consider one of these alternate routes instead of using the Tunney Bridge for access into seaside.

From Toms River via Hooper Avenue

Take Hooper Avenue north.
Turn right onto Drum Point Road and continue for 1.2 miles.
Turn left onto Adamston Road and continue for about 1 mile.
Turn right onto Mantoloking Road (CR 528) to end.
Turn right onto Route 35 South and proceed for several miles.
Route 35 South will become a two-lane roadway. Follow signs toward Seaside Heights.

From Manchester via Route 70

Take Route 70 toward Brick Township.
Turn right onto Cedar Bridge Avenue which will become Mantoloking Road (CR 528).
Follow Mantoloking Road to end.
Turn right onto Route 35 South and proceed for several miles.
Route 35 South will become a two-lane roadway.  Follow signs toward Seaside Heights.

From Garden State Parkway North

Take the Garden State Parkway south to exit 98 for Route 34 South.
Follow Route 34 South, which will become Route 35 South.
Continue on Route 35 South over the Manasquan River Bridge and proceed for several miles.
Route 35 South will become a two-lane roadway. Follow signs toward Seaside Heights.

From Garden State Parkway South

Take the Garden State Parkway north to exit 90 (Brick Township).
Turn right onto Chambersbridge Road.
Count 7 traffic lights to the intersection of Mantoloking Road (CR 528).
Turn left and follow Mantoloking Road to end.
Turn right onto Route 35 South and proceed for several miles.
Route 35 South will become a two-lane roadway.  Follow signs toward Seaside Heights.

From the West via Interstate 195

Head east on I-195 to Exit 35A for Route 34 South (Brielle).
Follow Route 34 South which will become Route 35 South.
Continue on Route 35 South over the Manasquan River Bridge and proceed for several miles.
Route 35 South will become a two-lane roadway.  Follow signs toward Seaside Heights.


Weather


Download the New Jersey 101.5 app on your smartphone and make sure push notifications are enabled for weather. Listen on your radio or stream from the app to get Dan Zarrow's polar bear plunge forecasts. Plus you can visit Dan's Weather Blog in the app or on our website any time. Be prepared with what to wear, and know ahead of the plunge just how cold the water will be.

Video from the 2017 Polar Bear Plunge:

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