The annual Polar Plunge at Paynetown Recreation Area has been cancelled because of the cold temperatures and Winter Weather Advisory.
Organizers announced the decision Sunday on social media.
No word yet on when it will be rescheduled.
Weather service forecasters in Indianapolis said Sunday to expect wind chills from -25 to -15 Sunday through Tuesday night. Forecasters warned of hypothermia and frost bite risks and urged those going outdoors to bundle up and wear a hat and gloves.
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This year’s annual Polar Bear Plunge at Monroe Lake is continuing despite temperatures below 20 degrees. Participants will fully submerge themselves in the lake Monday morning.
The event serves as a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bloomington.
Event coordinator Jeanice Chastain says they usually get about 200 participants. But with the extra cold temperatures this year, she expects fewer people will be brave enough for the stunt.
“There’s people that are definitely cancelling the event, saying it’s too cold for health reasons," Chastain says. "But there’s a lot of them still going, you know it is a Polar Bear Plunge, so you got to be a true polar bear to be out there.”
Chastain says the plunge is always carefully supervised to keep everyone safe.
“We do have EMTs out there, so we try to make sure it’s safe in case something did happen, which nothing has ever happened,” says Chastain.
The plunge starts at 9:30 a.m. on Monday at the Paynetown State Recreation Area.
