Photos: North Hempstead's 'Polar Spray'

Saturday’s Polar Plunge at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington had one modification. Because of the ice in Hempstead Harbor, rather than plunging, participants took part in what officials called the “Ultimate Polar Spray!”

The Port Washington Fire Department sprayed a fire hose over participants at 12 p.m.

• Sign up for your local Patch newsletter and breaking news alerts here.

The event – in which town officials, athletes and hundreds of others were “Freezin’ for a Reason” – benefits Special Olympics New York, and helps promote awareness of people living with intellectual disabilities throughout the state.