NEW FRANKLIN, Ohio — Dust off your flip-flops and find your bathing suit! It's time to hit the beach!
The 2023 Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump is set for Saturday, Feb. 25 as hundreds of brave souls will take the wickedly cold plunge at Portage Lakes State Park -- and it's all being done for a good cause.
The ultimate goal? To raise at least $125,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio and Rotary Camp Akron for children with special needs.
"With your help and our mission to 'freeze our bodies and warm our hearts,' we can do a lot of good in our community," organizers said on their site.
Pre-registrations and donations show the event's goal has already been surpassed as the fundraising total had climbed to $139,266.68 as of 9 a.m. Friday.
Sound like fun? You can register for the jump HERE. Not brave enough? No worries! You can still make a donation in that same link.
Editor's note: Video in the player at the top of this story features extended footage from the 2020 Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump.
Here are important notes organizers have outlined for this year's participants...
- Once at the park, report to the big tent between noon to 1:30 p.m. to get your jump bracelet and T-shirt. Please come early. This year is the biggest jump yet and a lot of people will be there.
- Please register in advance online. There will be limited day-of registration.
- Must have $50 minimum to jump.
- Those under 18 years old must have a parent present to sign a waiver.
- Jump attire: Costumes aren’t required, but add to the festivities. This is a family event, so jumpers wearing inappropriate attire may be asked to leave. Wear your jumping clothes under the outfit you wear to the event so you can stay warm longer.
- Wear something on your feet like old tennis shoes or aqua socks to prevent cuts from the ice.
- Safety personnel will be on site and in the water.
The event also includes a 50/50 raffle with an afterparty at Smoke on the Water.
3News has covered many of the previous Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump events throughout the years. Check out our extended footage from the 2019 plunge in the video below:
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