Polar Plunge | Special Olympics Northern California

2025 Polar Plunge Series

Registration is Now Open!

Ready to brave the waters for Special Olympics Northern California? Join the fun at a Polar Plunge! This series of fun skips, dips, or jumps into chilly winter waters will be held in locations all around Northern California in 2025.

Hosted in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, the Polar Plunge is a global Special Olympics fundraising tradition. The Polar Plunge is not a swim: It’s a celebration of community and inclusivity. It’s a chance to be with friends, make new connections, and do something special in a beautiful Northern California location. Part costume party, part test of will, the Plunge is all for the benefit of Special Olympics.

Jump in! Registration is now open for all 2025 Special Olympics Northern California Polar Plunges, including new locations in Alameda (formerly San Francisco) and Granite Bay (formerly Browns Ravine.)

2025 Polar Plunge Locations

If you have any questions, please contact

Fort Bragg
Polar Plunge

February 15

Dolphin Isle

Shasta County
Polar Plunge

February 15

Foothill High School

Tuolumne County
Polar Plunge

February 22

Lake Tulloch South Shore

Lake County
Polar Plunge

February 22

Buckingham Homeowners’
Club House

Bay Area 5K Run &
Polar Plunge

March 1

Crown Beach, Alameda

Santa Cruz
Polar Plunge

March 1

Santa Cruz Boardwalk

Sacramento 5K Trail Run,
1 Mile Run/Walk & Plunge

March 1

Granite Bay Main Beach

Sonoma County
Polar Plunge

March 1

Doran Beach, Bodega Bay

Siskiyou
Polar Plunge

March 8

Lake Shastina

Community Center

Fresno
Polar Plunge

March 15

Millerton Lake Crow’s Nest Boat Launch

How it Works

Plungers can form or join teams, or sign up as an individual. Every participant must raise a minimum of $125 to Plunge. Additionally, they will receive a Polar Plunge T-shirt and brunch. Cool School participants must raise a minimum of $50 to Plunge, but need to raise a minimum of $125 to earn the T-shirt and brunch.

Everyone is encouraged to raise additional funds and earn cool incentive rewards. The more you raise, the more you can help directly impact the lives of Special Olympics athletes, their families, and our community.

Plungers can brave the waters however they’d like, from dipping in a toe or two to taking a fully immersive splash. Don’t want to get wet? No worries! You can still register for the festivities and help support Special Olympics.

However you choose to participate, it’s time to bear down for a Special Olympics NorCal Polar Plunge.

Did Someone Say Awards?

We’ll also present awards to the top individual and team fundraisers, as well as for best costumes. That’s right! Everyone is encouraged to dress in costume for the Plunge. They aren’t mandatory, but they’re a fun part of the global Polar Plunge tradition. So go with the flow and dress up, whether with your team or solo.

Everyone wins at the Polar Plunge. Be brave in your attempt and make a splash for our amazing Special Olympics NorCal athletes! All funds raised will support the sports, educational, health and leadership programs our athletes enjoy for free.

Fundraising Toolkit

Get the toolkit to help you achieve your goals!

Learn More

Image of incentive items that can be earned to raise funds for the Polar Plunge events.

Corporate Chill

4 Easy Ways To Get Your Company Involved

Learn How

Sponsorship Opportunities

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Katie at

Sponsorship Opportunities

Cool School Challenge

Be a part of the coolest fundraising event of the year! The Cool School Challenge brings together members of your school’s community to rally in support of Special Olympics NorCal and your school. Cool School Plungers can earn funds for their school by participating at a Plunge location or by hosting their own at their school.

Please contact for more information.