Inaugural Charity Event Hits Shore

If you can stand the cold, you can be a part of the cause.

On Saturday, January 21, the nonprofit Community Action Team (C.A.T.) will be hosting the first annual Long Beach Polar Splash and Doggie Dip on the eastern edge of Rosie's Dog Beach in Belmont Shore.

For every participant that arrives before 10:50 a.m. and signs in, they will be asked to select one of six causes: Seal Beach Animal Care Center, Training for Autism, Assiteens of Long Beach, Long Beach spay/neuter programs, American Heart Association, or American Alzheimer's Foundation.

Then, after organizers yell "Go," for those that submerge themselves completely under water, C.A.T. will donate $10 to one of the local charities, up to $2,000.

Water temperature is expected to be between 55 and 59 degrees, and all ages are welcome to participate, with younger participants simply requiring the presence of a parent or guardian.

Participants are encouraged to bring their dogs and dress in costumes.