North Beach, MD – For about 20 years the bayside town of North Beach has hosted the New Year’s Day rite known as The Polar Bear Plunge. Hundreds of swimsuit-garbed individuals of various shapes and sizes converged at the edge of the Chesapeake Bay to get 2016 off to a splashing start. Hundreds more witnessed the spectacle from the North Beach boardwalk and a long jetty on the south side of the beach.

From his lofty crow’s nest, Mayor Mark Frazer announced the water temperature was estimated in the mid-40s, meaning this year’s plunge would be slightly warmer than the last few events.

“I enjoy it,” said Chesapeake Beach resident John Hammett, who was embarking on his sixth plunge. “It’s a tradition for me. It’s good for you.”

“I did it for 20 years,” said longtime town resident Jean Rupard, who was on the beach to watch her grandson Jake take the plunge. Rupard said she ended her career as a Polar Bear plunger after she turned 80 and at the request of her family.

“I used to be involved with Special Olympics,” said Matthew White of Chesapeake Beach, who told The BayNet he was going in the water accompanied by his stepfather Buddy Anderson.

At 1 p.m. the horn sounded and the huge splash party got in full swing.
“It was warm,” said North Beach Town Councilman Mike Benton, who traditionally plunges in a costume.

“This is the first year I’ve actually jumped in,” said Colleen from Arlington, VA, who frequently comes to the North Beach/Rose Haven area to enjoy boating. She was with fellow members of a civilian military organization.

Plungers who wished to receive an event T-shirt were required to pay a fee. The net proceeds this year went to Calvert County Meals on Wheels. In order to indemnify the town, all plungers were required to sign a waiver.

During his pre-plunge remarks, Frazer, who has served as North Beach mayor for 15 years, thanked the town residents and visitors for helping the municipality earn several recognitions from the Bay Weekly’s “Best of the Bay 2015” report. The plaudits include Best Bay Beach, Best Town or Neighborhood and Best Farmers Market. Additionally, the web site “Only in Maryland” proclaimed North Beach as the Free State’s number one “Christmas Town” for 2015.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com