The Jack Beagan Memorial Polar Plunge

​Saturday, March 2 2024
Registration from 12-1:30 pm
Polar Plunge start 2pm

Register

The Polar Plunge provides opportunities for individuals, groups, and supporters! You can choose to plunge alone and raise money for the Bayfield Rec Center, or get a group of friends together and raise pledges for a nonprofit or school group of your choice.


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 2nd at 2pm we will dedicate our 17th Polar Plunge to Jack. The more outlandish the costume, the better, because no one loved a good performance more than Jack. 

Plunge for the Rec Center

When you register as an individual your $50 registration/pledges goes toward supporting year round recreation at the Bayfield Rec Center.
 
Individual plungers may register in advance using our online pledge platform or in person the day of the event. We highly recommend starting your pledge campaign early using our online platform to collect a higher number of pledges and make it easier to keep track of your pledges.

Do the plunge to raise money for your organization

Register as a team, collect at least $250 in pledges, and we'll write you a check to your non-profit or school group after all the donations have been collected.

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:

• $250 to $2,499 - 50%
• $2,500 - $4,999 - 60%
• $5,000 - 70%

​Polar Plunge Instructions
​Polar Plunge Donation Form and Waiver

Register

Spectate

This is a fun event to watch and cheer on the folks jumping in. To watch, head to 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.

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

Volunteer

It takes a lot of friendly people, helping hands, and good energy to put on this event. If you're interested in volunteering for the Polar Plunge or Long Jon Color Run please fill out this form.

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 up until 1:30 pm on the day of the event. Pl​ease turn in all cash donations with a Donation Form Attached


All plungers must turn in a signed Donation Form and Waiver before plunging. Waivers for plungers under 18 years of old must be signed by a parent or guardian. 


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!

Vertical Divider

- Winter Fest Home
- Long Jon Color Run
- Polar Plunge 

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Take the Plunge!