Round Up Your Bravest Friends And Promise To Plunge During The Annual Polar Bear Plunge At Coopers Beach

Did you already put away your bathing suits for the year? Well get them out because on Saturday, December 10th it’s time to pledge to take a plunge in support of Human Resources of the Hamptons (HRH) – that is the 13th annual Polar Bear Plunge at Coopers Beach in Southampton, of course.

“The Polar Bear Plunge is our major fundraising effort every year,” noted J. Hilton Crosby, Jr., MS, Executive Director of the Human Resources of the Hamptons. In November alone, the Southampton-based food pantry served 761 people. That’s in addition to distributing 175 turkeys to families for Thanksgiving meals.

With the mild fall we’ve had so far, if you’ve been contemplating taking the frosty dip, this is certainly a good time. The ocean is estimated to be in the low 50s, so will a quick dunk in the Atlantic really be that bad? And, as per usual, attendees are encouraged to come donning a costume. Last year’s plunge brought out a myriad of superheroes, including Captain America, Thor, and Iron Man, as well as Santa Claus and his merry reindeer and elves.

“The funds raised ensure we are able to continue providing services to Southampton residents who are in need,” added Crosby. “The funds raised go towards food for the pantry, financial assistance programs (for children, adults, and seniors), and the clothing room (clothing is free for registered members). There are many other subcategories of help for the food pantry, clothing room and assistance program.”

With the mild fall we’ve had so far, if you’ve been contemplating taking the frosty dip, this is certainly a good time. (Photo: Lisa Tamburini)

The 13th annual Human Resources of the Hamptons Polar Bear Plunge will take place at 10 a.m. and participants must register in advance by 9:30 a.m. The registration fee is $25, but plungers are encouraged to get into the spirit of giving by collecting sponsors and raising more than the entry fee.

For those not in the Hamptons the weekend of the Polar Bear Plunge, make sure to catch the action live on the Hamptons.com Coopers Beach Camera.

Coopers Beach is located at 268 Meadow Lane in Southampton. For more information, call 631-283-6415 or email [email protected].