A New Year’s Day tradition will continue Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012 when the Town of North Beach hosts its 16th annual Polar Bear Plunge. The free event attracts hundreds of participants and spectators.
The surface water temperature is likely to be in the low 30s when the participants shed their layers of clothing, jump into the Chesapeake Bay and immerse themselves in the chilly water. This year’s event starts at 1 p.m.
Town officials need participants to sign a waiver indemnifying and holding harmless “the Town of North Beach and its officials, employees and agents from any and all liabilities, judgments, settlements, losses, costs or charges (including attorneys’ fees).”
Parents or guardians must sign the waiver for those under the age of 18.
While the event has never been the subject of any litigation it did have some controversy two years ago when a male swimmer wearing a thong participated. The mortifying presence of the unidentified individual, dubbed “Thong Man,” did result in the town council’s passage of an ordinance banishing such scanty swimwear on the beach.
“All participants will receive a special gift along with a certificate of participation,” the town’s web site stated. “Stand around the bonfire to warm up while enjoying hot cocoa and roasting marshmallows.”
To find out more about the North Beach New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge and obtain an advanced copy of the mandatory waiver form, visit the Town of North Beach, MD web site and look for the events calendar.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
