Polar Bear Plunge set for Feb. 13

POTTSTOWN » If the idea of jumping into the frigid waters of the Schuylkill River in February gives you a warm feeling inside, you are going to love this Valentine’s Day-adjacent idea.

The annual Polar Bear Plunge, which usually takes place on New Year’s Day in Riverfront Park, has been rescheduled to Feb. 13, at 10:45 a.m.

This year’s event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential for community spread to occur at the community event.

But as the number of cases has begun to level off, the parks and recreation department has decided to give it another try.

As usual, a large bonfire will be set in the park to warm those who, for reasons only they can know, choose to jump into a cold river in mid-February.

Registration will be from 10 to 10:30 a.m.

All Polar Bear swimmers are required to sign a participation and indemnification waiver.

All participants must read and sign the waiver agreement witnessed by event staff to participate.

Participants must be 16 years of age on or before Feb. 13 to take part.

Children under the age of 16 are forbidden. Youth ages 16-17 may only participate with the signature of a legal guardian witnessed by event staff. Identification will be required.

To maintain current restrictions, participants are asked to follow social-distancing and mask-wearing guidelines.

“The event is scaleddown out of necessity since there is always the chance we will need to cancel due to any standing gathering restrictions or recommendations associated with the virus,” according to the Parks and Recreation announcement.

“We will limit the program to the swim with some control measures in place to promote distancing as well as the bonfire. The usual jarring wake-up music that certain parties will inevitably complain about and possibly a visit from a food truck depending on who is interested and available for a small turn-out event will also be included,” wrote Parks and Recreation Director Michael Lenhart.

“The last time we did this in February, we only had 40-to-50 swimmers and few spectators, so we anticipate we can work safely within the guidelines.”

MEDIANEWS GROUP FILE PHOTO Swimmers splash into the Schuylkill River during the 11th annual Polar Bear Plunge in 2019. The plunge will take place Feb. 13 this year.