Thousands brave chilly Chesapeake for Polar Bear Plunge

Nearly 10,000 people were expected to jump into the chilly waters of the Chesapeake Bay on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 for the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
Nearly 10,000 people were expected to jump into the chilly waters of the Chesapeake Bay on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 for the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
The Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge event benefits Special Olympics Maryland and its year-round programs.
(WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
The Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge event benefits Special Olympics Maryland and its year-round programs. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
Most participants raise $75 each for a plunge in the water at Sandy Point State Park. But some ``super plungers'' raise thousands of dollars to jump in the frigid water multiple times. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
Most participants raise $75 each for a plunge in the water at Sandy Point State Park. But some “super plungers” raise thousands of dollars to jump in the frigid water multiple times. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
A spectator stands by as thousands of charitable souls brave the chlly waters at the Chesepeake Bay for the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
A spectator stands by as thousands of charitable souls brave the chlly waters at the Chesepeake Bay for the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
This year's Polar Bear Plunge has raised at least $1.5 million. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
This year’s Polar Bear Plunge has raised at least $1.5 million. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
A participant warms up at Maryland State Police's Polar Bear Plunge event on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
A participant warms up at Maryland State Police’s Polar Bear Plunge event on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
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Nearly 10,000 people were expected to jump into the chilly waters of the Chesapeake Bay on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 for the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
The Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge event benefits Special Olympics Maryland and its year-round programs.
(WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
Most participants raise $75 each for a plunge in the water at Sandy Point State Park. But some ``super plungers'' raise thousands of dollars to jump in the frigid water multiple times. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
A spectator stands by as thousands of charitable souls brave the chlly waters at the Chesepeake Bay for the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
This year's Polar Bear Plunge has raised at least $1.5 million. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
A participant warms up at Maryland State Police's Polar Bear Plunge event on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The 20th annual Polar Bear Plunge was held in Sandy Point State Park on Saturday.

Nearly 10,000 people were expected to jump into the chilly waters of the Chesapeake Bay to raise money for Special Olympics of Maryland and its year-round program.

The event was coordinated by Maryland State Police.

Most participants raise $75 each for a plunge in the water at. But some “super plungers” raise thousands of dollars to jump in the frigid water multiple times.

So far this year the Plunge has raised over $1.5 million, according to the organization’s website.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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