ABOUT THE PLUNGE

This year, we are celebrating our 20th Polar Bear Plunge to "Keep Winter Cold!" Every winter for the past 19 years, hundreds of passionate climate activists have run, walked, and skipped into icy cold waters for a winter swim to raise funds in support of the work of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN). Just like a charity fun run, Plunge participants accept donations from their friends and family to support our vital climate work.

The very first Polar Bear Plunge to "Keep Winter Cold" was held in December of 2005 and brought in $5,000 and had around 25 plungers. Since then, the event has grown to more than 300 plungers who help raise over $200,000 in support of CCAN's climate campaigns. The humble beginnings of this event sowed an incredible foundation for what is now CCAN's largest grassroots fundraising event.

2025 POLAR BEAR PLUNGE TO "KEEP WINTER COLD"

NATIONAL HARBOR PLUNGE

Out of respect for grieving families and with recovery operations still underway on the Potomac River, CCAN is hosting it's annual polar bear plunge on February 15 virtually (BRRRR-tually).

Find more details below and REGISTER HERE.

BRRRR-TUAL PLUNGE

Join us in taking the Plunge BRRRR-tually! Some ideas for those plunging BRRRR-tually are: jump into an icy cold bath or kiddie pool, dump a bucket of ice water over yourself, or even go to a nearby body of water like a local creek or pond. The most important thing is that you and icy water come together for a brief moment. Need inspiration? Check out these creative plunges. 

    REGISTER TO TAKE THE PLUNGE

The first step before signing up to take the Plunge is to determine if you'll be plunging with a team. You can create a team of your friends, family, coworkers, teammates, the possibilities are endless. View our Teams page for more information on creating or joining a team.

The next step is to set your fundraising goal. We hope you'll set an ambitious goal, many plungers strive to raise $1,000. But, the main thing is that you simply participate and do the best you can in raising funds to support CCAN's work. Once your personal profile page is set up, you're able to share it with your friends and family as you ask them to support your Polar Plunge. 

PLUNGE PERKS

Plungers who raise $350 will be receive the 2025 plunge t-shirt!