WATCH's annual Polar Plunge slated for Jan. 9 at Cliffs
By Ethan Smith
Published in News on December 16, 2015 1:46 PM
The WATCH Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force will hold its second annual Polar Plunge this year on Jan. 9, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park.
It costs $20 for adults 18 years old and up to register, and $10 for people younger than 18.
Any child seeking to take the plunge without a parent will have to sign a waiver release form to participate.
"Last year the water was 22 degrees, and there was ice in it," said WATCH Health Education Coordinator Karen Webb.
But the nearly 30 people that took the plunge last year didn't dive head first into an icy mix just to be cold in the middle of January -- proceeds from the event go directly to WATCH's substance abuse treatment programs.
"This year we're working on a resource guide for individuals who need treatment and don't know where to go," Mrs. Webb said. "A lot of people, when it happens to them or to their family, they don't know where to go or how to get help. So we're making a guide detailing any travel requirements for different treatments and educating people on where to go for help."
Mrs. Webb said the event is guaranteed to appeal to adrenaline junkies seeking a natural thrill.
"It's definitely an event for adrenaline junkies, so it's a safer alternative for people to get an adrenaline rush than some other options that are out there."
The event was held at Walnut Creek last year, but was moved to Cliffs of the Neuse this year because Walnut Creek is draining its lake, leaving nothing for plungers to jump into.
"This year its on a beach, so it'll be more of a walk-in and make it easier to get in," Mrs. Davis said. "Usually polar plunges are on a beach because it's easier to get in that way, though it will take away the cannonball feature where people can cannonball into the water."
There will be medals given to the oldest and youngest participants.