Pirates prepare for 17th Annual Polar Bear Plunge

The 17th annual Polar Bear Plunge is set for 7 p.m. Jan. 24 at the East Carolina University Student Recreation Center outdoor pool.

All ECU students, faculty and staff are invited to jump into the icy waters of the outdoor pool. The first 1,100 jumpers will receive a free event T-shirt. Students will also be entered into a drawing for prizes, including the grand prize – a 3-foot tall stuffed polar bear donated by Coca-Cola.

All jumpers should bring their own towel and must fill out a waiver prior to jumping. The waiver can be completed on-site or downloaded at www.ecu.edu/polarbear.

The Polar Bear Plunge started at ECU in 1997 as part of the grand opening of the Student Recreation Center when 35 participants took the plunge. The event has grown annually, breaking records each year since 2010. Last year, 1,008 jumpers participated. Organizers hope to surpass the 1,100-jumper mark this year.

Following the event, participants may enjoy refreshments and attend a Get-A-Clue involvement fair providing information on programs, activities at organizations on campus.

Registration begins at 6:30 p.m., with an ECU One Card required. The event is sponsored by Campus Recreation & Wellness, Campus Living & Dining and Student Involvement and Leadership.