CORRECTION: The police and public safety and the corporate polar plunges are on for tomorrow Jan 30, at Sandy Point State Park. The adjusted schedule is as follows:
Friday 1/30 – Police & Public Safety (Plunge at 12:00pm)
Friday 1/30 – Corporate Plunge (Plunge at 3:30pm)
Saturday 1/31 – Maryland Plunge (Plunges at 11:00am & 12:00pm)
Wednesday 2/4 – Maryland Cool Schools (Plunges at 11:00am, 12:00pm, and 1:00pm)
Thursday 2/5 – Anne Arundel Cool Schools (Plunges at 11:00am, 12:00pm, and 1:00pm)
Twenty-three really is a good amount of years for a water heater tank to run. I’m not sure for how long it was leaking, but the puddle in my crawl space indicates that it was for too long. Like most of us, we’re running paycheck to paycheck these days and so it has been weeks of winter without. Fortunately, I learned the three-pot cleaning method in my scouting youth, and nowadays they make cold water laundry detergent, so the only real pain has been the “Navy showers.” Those few seconds remind me of my teenaged Polar Bear Plunges, and I must ask: why did I ever do those?
For those who may not be aware, Polar Bear Plunges are events where groups of people jump into wintry bodies of water, usually followed by a quick retreat to dry warmth. The answer as to why comes in three forms: fitness, funds, and fellowship.
FITNESS
There is a wide belief that immersing oneself in cold can boost your immune system and stimulate norepinephrine and dopamine, chemicals that cause alertness and euphoria. Cold therapy works: splash cold water on your face in the morning to wake up quickly, take an ice bath after a strenuous workout, place an ice pack on a sprained ankle to reduce pain. A 2022 American Heart Association News article has warned that “the plunge into cold water comes with risks,” and that you should try to prepare adequately beforehand by:
- practicing breathing colder air
- exercising outside when it is cold
- putting cold water on your neck
- and taking colder baths or showers.
The cold water can cause a shock response that can be dangerous for people with heart conditions, so while cold therapy has its merits, please be cautious.
FUNDS
The Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge hosts an annual fundraising Plunge at Sandy Point State Park to help support over 25,000 Special Olympics Maryland athletes and Unified teammates who train and compete year-round. This Maryland tradition started in 1996 when 300 “Plungers” got together on a Saturday and over the past thirty years has evolved into a week-long event attended by local police forces including Laurel’s. Last year’s event raised over $4M for Special Olympics Maryland. This is only the biggest plunge for the state, and Winter isn’t over yet. Keep your eye out for other opportunities, or make your own!
FELLOWSHIP
Jumping into icy water becomes a lot less dangerous with others around and can actually be quite exhilarating. You do not even have to commit to a full dip – maybe just a foot at the Riverfront Park, up to your knees at Supplee Lane Recreation Area, or a splash to the face from Granville Gude Lake. Sure, a broken water heater definitely can help you get ready, but all you really need is a few of your closest and some hot cocoa for after. Laurel is a city of fellowship, full of friendly groups setting up extra cups for any passersby brave enough to join in on the fun. No one should Plunge alone.
Shane Walker is a writer, school librarian, food delivery driver and connoisseur of life in Laurel.