Lewes Polar Bear Plunge a wacky tradition

It’s pretty wacky. That’s about the only way to describe the annual Lewes Polar Bear Plunge, which clings to its Lewes name even though it has taken place in Rehoboth Beach for the last 19 years.

Wacky describes what for 25 years has driven all kinds of people of all ages to make a mad dash for the ocean on a cold, gray February afternoon.

Families plunge together. Churches, sports groups, school groups and civic groups plunge together. Most popular of all are the wacky friends who apparently get together, in costume, just to plunge.

A woman in a beach wheelchair was not to be denied; her enthusiastic crew rolled her into the surf and then back out again.

For many who participate, the plunge becomes an instant tradition. Eight bears have been plunging for the event’s entire 25-year history; a dozen more have 20 years under their belts. Scores have joined the 15-year club, and even more have been coming back for 10 years.

The event also draws dozens of volunteers, including state police on horseback, officers from numerous municipalities, EMS crews, Coast Guard, fire department and DNREC boats and about a dozen divers in wetsuits, waiting in the water to assist should anyone falter.

Whatever brings people to the beach every year in February, this year alone the event raised $820,000 for Special Olympics Delaware. Adding up contributions over the event’s 25-year history, the plunge has raised more than $9.12 million to support year-round sports training and competition for 3,700 Delaware children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Maybe it’s wackiness that inspires thousands of people to throw off their robes and sleeping bags and race into the water.

Or maybe it’s anticipation of the thrill they will feel jumping out of the water and back onto the beach.

In that moment, plungers of all descriptions look like they are feeling a blast of pure joy – the same elation Special Olympians display as they participate in events the plunge supports.

It’s wacky, but the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge is a bracing and embracing event that never fails to bring out the best in everyone.