If you are planning to go in to the water on Sunday, be sure to come prepared. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions by past participants:
Q – What time should I be there ?
A – Get there around 10:00 am. Use shuttle buses provided or carpool if you can, it’s more fun when you come with a few others to root you on, and drive you back when you are wearing your “snuggie”. LOL
We typically have food, hot chocolate, coffee and other consumables for sale. The DJ and band will also begin at approximately 10 am.
Q – Where can I park ?
A – There is limited parking available at the event. Use our shuttle buses, they will pick you up at the Stony Point commuter lot on Route 9W, also at the Chase bank parking lot, and by Town Hall on Main Street. The buses will start running at 10 AM. This may be the best way for you to come to the event.
Q – What should I wear?
A – During the festivities that lead up to the Plunge, you should stay warm. Your options include a sweatsuit, or a warm robe and a coat. Some people even wear costumes! In our opinion, the most important item to wear up until a few minutes before you plunge, is a warm hat.
When you go in the water, obviously you want to be wearing some sort of swim gear. Also make sure you wear footwear into the water, as the bottom of the Hudson River where we Plunge is a little rocky. We do not recommend that you dip your head in the water.
Q – What happens at the event ?
There is a lot of excitement even before the Plunge happens. Food and drink are available (donations are recommended) from our participating vendors, as well as music from our DJ and announcements from the grandstand.
Before the Plunge please keep the road clear for Babe’s parade of Motorcycles which will happen at about noon time.
Approximately 5-10 minutes before the Plunge, you will remove your outerwear, and be ready to march in your swim suit toward the Hudson River. It is important that you get accustomed to the cold before you go in the water, so make sure you disrobe during this time.
You and the other Plunge participants are then led in parade-fashion amongst the many hundreds of spectators, who are cheering you on! Moments later, you will be given the go-ahead to traverse the frigid waters of the Hudson River. Brrrr!
Q – What does it feel like when I plunge ?
A – It’s cold! When you first get in the water, your limbs and torso will feel some initial discomfort while getting adjusted to the water temperature. After about 30 seconds, the level of discomfort may increase with tingling sensations in your skin. However, after staying in for 2-3 minutes, your body may become numb to the cold water.
IMPORTANT: Do not stay in longer just to prove you can stay in the water the longest. It’s not a competition. We know you’re tough, so don’t worry! =) Instead, listen to your body, be safe, and come out when you feel you have had enough of the frigid cold water. Then you can celebrate on the shore with your buddies! LOL
Q – How long should I stay in the water ?
A – It varies; some people stay in for less than 30 seconds, some stay in for up to 5 minutes. We do not recommend that you stay in any longer than that which could jeopardize your health. Do not participate in the Polar Plunge if you have heart problems or other conditions that could become dangerous in cold atmospheres.
In short, use your best judgement and don’t be too much of a hero, your safety is of the utmost importance to us. Which leads us to the next question…
Q – Are there any safety precautions taken ?
A – We take numerous precautions to ensure the safety of both the participants and the spectators of the event. You’ll note in the banner above (scroll up) that several Seals are positioned at the outskirts of the Plunge area, ready to assist anyone that encounters difficulty of any sort.
Further, we also have local police officers monitoring the event on foot, in patrol vehicles and even on horseback. We also have several information stations where help can be ascertained. In the event of a health emergency, paramedics are available on-site to provide aid.
Also, we will have heated tents set up for those who want to change out of their swim gear after the event.
Q – What do I do when I get out ?
A – the first thing is to get dry socks and sneakers on, have someone with a towel or robe waiting for you when you get out. also a pair of sweatpants and sweatshirts will help you warm up more quickly.
This year we will have heated tents for the plunge participants, so if you prefer to get changed in a warm environment, this will be available for you. Enjoy!