Polar plunge popularity continues to grow

Even at the outset, Waukegan's Polar Bear Plunge surprised the skeptics.

The bosses were like, 'No one is going to jump in the water,' recalled David Motley, spokesman for the city and co-founder of the event.

"We had about 250. We ran out of registration forms."

That was 11 years ago. With the millennium approaching, Motley and a colleague at a park district advisory meeting came up with the same idea to mark the event.

From an untested beginning, the event on New Year's Day has become a tradition that benefits the Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County-Waukegan.

This year was also considered a success with about 500 participants. About $4,000 was raised through registration fees, pledges and supplemental fundraisers.

"Our best year ever," said Julie Schneider, manager of the special recreation organization. "The pledges just took off this year."

The event generated about $13,000 through the first 10 years.

The money is used for tournament fees, travel expenses, uniforms, equipment and scholarships for special recreation athletes.

"Originally, it was to get our teams in uniforms," Schneider said.

"Now, we've been inundated with requests for scholarships for people to participate in summer camps or programs throughout the year."

There are new dimensions to every Polar Plunge, especially weather-related considerations, Motley said.

This year, snow was moved just offshore as a makeshift berm that formed a lagoon to provide a clearer path for participants.

"Last year was like jumping in a Slurpee," said Motley.

"It's not really something you would expect to get a lot of participants, but we are packed," he said.

About 1,500 spectators cheered on the lake jumpers this year. Motley, who served as master of ceremonies of sorts, kicked off the day with "Ice Ice Baby " by Vanilla Ice and ended it with "Light My Fire" by the Doors.

"The conditions this year were very extreme all the way around. We've been doing this 11 years now and no year is exactly like another."

The Waukegan event hasn't quite reached the popularity of the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge, known as Plungeapalooza, which draws about 10,000 to dip into Chesapeake Bay.

But it has been recognized as an outstanding special event by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, Motley said.