The Jack Beagan Memorial Polar Plunge

Saturday, March 4, 2023
Registration from 12-1:30 pm
Polar Plunge start 2pm
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We were saddened at the loss of our friend Jack Beagan. Jack was with RFR from the very start and served us as Board Chair and Volunteer Extraordinaire. Whether it was preparation for the Point to La Pointe, doing the Polar Plunge in some wild costume, sitting at the front desk during swimming lessons when we were short staffed, or just checking in to see how things were going, Jack was in the Rec Center on a regular (sometimes two or three times a day) basis since the very beginning. RFR will miss his support, his laugh and humor, his help and encouragement.
On Saturday March 4th at 2pm we will dedicate our 16th Polar Plunge to Jack. We encourage you to come plunge, pledge (all donations support the Rec Center or your non-profit or school team), or just watch the spectacle! The more outlandish the costume, the better, because no one loved a good performance more than Jack. 

Spectate

To watch, head down the pier at the bottom of Rittenhouse Ave, behind the Bayfield Inn and in front of the Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion.

If you're not able to come down and watch from City Dock, you can watch from The Bayfield Inn's webcam!

Plunge for the Rec Center

The Polar Bear Plunge is a fun, northern tradition and a fundraiser for the Bayfield Rec Center.   

Individual plungers may register in advance using our online pledge platform or in person up to and including the day of the event. If you're looking to collect a higher number of pledges, we recommend registering early and taking advantage of the online pledge platform.

In 2022, groups raised $10,000 for their own organizations!​

Polar Plunge Instructions
​Polar Plunge Registration and Waiver
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Individuals must raise a minimum of $50 in order to take the plunge.

Plunge for your organization, group, or team!

Do the plunge to raise money for your own organization! It’s much easier and more fun than a spaghetti dinner or magazine sale, you get a higher percentage directly back to your group than other fundraising options, and the operational expenses go to a local nonprofit. There is a minimum of $250 that must be raised for organizations.

The percentage of the total amount raised that comes back to your group goes up as the amount you raise goes up:

• Up to $2,499 - 50%
• $2,500 - $4,999 - 60%
• $5,000 - 70%

Instructions for all plungers 

Pledges can be collected online or in person. In person pledges can be cash or check and should be recorded on the Pledge Collection Form. Please make all checks payable to RFR. You can register or turn in cash and check pledges at any time up until the day before at the Bayfield Rec Center or the day of the event during Sign In. ​


All plungers must turn in a signed Registration Form and Waiver before plunging. Waivers for plungers under 18 years of old must be signed by a parent or guardian. Waivers are also available at the Bayfield Rec Center.


The action is at the Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion at 2 E Front St, Bayfield, WI 54814 in downtown Bayfield at the bottom of Rittenhouse Avenue near Memorial Park and the Bayfield Inn.

Sign in is from 12:oopm to 1:30pm. At Sign in, you’ll let us know you are here, sign or turn in waivers, and turn in cash and check pledges. All plungers must sign in and all plungers must have a signed waiver turned in before plunging.

There will be large group changing rooms for men and women provided in the Pavilion.

Your plunge enjoyment is partially dependent on your preparation. Please make sure to eat and drink adequately on the big day. You should bring the following items with you:

• Whatever you are plunging in - costumes are encouraged, but not required.
• We strongly encourage you to wear some sort of footwear for the plunge itself.
• A towel
• A warm, cozy change of clothes. Don’t forget a dry pair of shoes or boots!

The Polar Plunge starts at 2:00pm. We will send plungers out in groups to minimize time outside. You’ll walk out of the Pavilion, down a short flight of stairs onto the ice and to the hole. No diving is permitted, but you can step, leap, or cannonball into the hole! Most people will be able to touch the bottom and there will be a ladder on the far side of the hole to exit on. Coast Guard and Bayfield Fire Department members will be stationed in and around the hole to assist you, if necessary.

After your plunge, return to the Pavilion to change into dry clothes or head to the Bayfield Rec Center to warm up in the hot tub and sauna - all plunge participants will receive a complimentary Day Pass to the Rec Center!

Thanks for plunging for the Bayfield Rec Center! It takes a community to keep the Rec Center running - we couldn’t do this without you!

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Take the Plunge!