Polar Bear Plunge: MD Fundraiser Makes COVID-19 Decision As Omicron Variant Surges

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Planners on Monday postponed the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge until March. Fundraiser organizers worried about the safety of plungers as the omicron variant of coronavirus fuels another surge in Anne Arundel County.

"Given the spike in COVID-19, it has become clear that the only thing to do, the right thing to do, is [to reschedule] our In-Person Plunges to a later date," leaders said on Facebook. "We care greatly about the health and safety of our SOMD community and hope that all of you will join us in March."

The plunge was originally scheduled for late January through early February. It is now slated for March 18 through March 26 at Sandy Point State Park near Annapolis. Here's the new schedule:

• Super Plunge: Friday, March 18 through Saturday, March 19
• Cool Schools: Thursday, March 24
• Police Plunge: Friday, March 25
• Corporate Plunge: Friday, March 25
• Maryland Plunge: Saturday, March 26

The Polar Bear Plunge raises money for Special Olympics Maryland. Participants recruit sponsors and then jump into the winter waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

Fundraisers hope to collect $3.5 million this year. They have raised nearly $1.2 million so far.

The plunge currently plans to have in-person and virtual options. The in-person portion was canceled last year because of the pandemic, but the virtual session still continued.

More information is posted at plungemd.com.

RELATED:

• Polar Bear Plunge Returns To Sandy Point

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