PORT JERVIS, NY – Port Jervis Fire Department’s Special Operations Team will host PJFD's Fourth Annual ‘Freezin’ For A Reason’ Polar Plunge this Saturday morning, January 14. The special winter event will take place at West End Beach (14 Ferry Street), Port Jervis, NY, beginning at 9 a.m.
While temperatures have been warmer this week than in some past years, participants can expect to be chilly as they remove their coats and enter the Delaware River. Both the air and waterway were measured at 36-degrees along the designated beach site yesterday morning, and conditions are expected to remain about the same through this weekend.
Dozens who have participated in this event in the past, including during much colder conditions than this week’s (last year firefighters had to cut through ice to create a plunge area), have described it as very positive, invigorating, exciting, and well-worth being part of. Many have become repeat participants, some even immersing themselves more than once during each event.
While some prefer to enter the river with friends, neighbors, colleagues, or family members for support, others choose to go solo with their own speed, depth of dunking, and personal length of immersion.
Water Operations Team members will be stationed in the river, as always. In gear, these divers not only mark and keep watch over the plunge area but encourage and assist if needed in the water. Other volunteers assist with on-site registration, fire pit upkeep, DJ music, setup and cleanup, and other event support.
Tim Simmons, a longtime PJFD fireman and Special Operations Team member, and Fourth Ward Councilman, and Director of Recreation John Faggione have organized this event each year. Both are looking forward to this weekend’s Polar Plunge and a morning of fun and personal achievement at the beach.
“Bring a towel, and dry clothes,” Faggione advised, as organizers made final preparations for the event.
Registration for the fundraising event is $25, with all proceeds going to PJFD’s Special Operations Team. Participants can contribute this amount – or more -- as an individual or through pledges gathered from family, friends, and others. Anyone can register in advance at https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/PortJervis/PortPolarPlunge or at the Saturday morning plunge.
For more information, contact PJ Recreation Department at 845-858-4045 or recreationdirector@portjervisny.com
Comments