Fearless folks are set to jump into the Atlantic on New Year's Day. Will you join them? Watch video
ASBURY PARK -- One way to fix your New Year's Day hangover? With a frigid dip in the Atlantic - for a good cause, that is.
This year's Polar Bear Plunge season is upon us, with fearless folks taking to the chilly Jersey Shore waters between January and March to raise funds for a variety of causes.
The first plungers will take their dips in Asbury Park, Ocean City, Atlantic City and Brigantine on New Year's Day, which is forecast to be a sunny day in the mid-40s with water temps also in the mid-40s.
The Asbury Park plunge is run by the Sons of Ireland and features bagpipers to help summon plungers' courage. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. at Convention Hall; the plunge happens at 1 p.m. The event raises funds for Stephy's Place, a grief support center, and Shore House, a support program for those with mental illness.
The Ocean City plunge benefits the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign to prevent drunk driving. It starts with registration from noon to 1:45 p.m at the Music Pier. Plungers will hit the water in front of the pier at 2 p.m.
The Atlantic City plungers test their luck at noon on the beach in front of Resorts Casino. The funds raised benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.
The Brigantine plungers dive in at noon at 14th Street and the event ends with a post-plunge party at Laguna Grill & Rum Bar. Last year, this event raised more than $60K for Fisher House, which provides housing and transportation for wounded military members and their families. This plunge encourages costumes and rewards the best with prizes.
Other plunges scheduled this year include Long Branch (Jan. 8), Wildwood (Jan. 14), Manasquan (Feb. 4)., Brant Beach (Feb. 5), Sea Isle City (Feb. 17), Seaside Heights (Feb. 25), North Wildwood (Feb. 25) and Stone Harbor (March 11).
Jessica Remo may be reached at jremo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessicaRemoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.