More than 275 'swimmers' to Take the Plunge Saturday at Breezy Point

BREEZY POINT - The annual Law Enforcement Polar Bear Plunge into Pelican Lake to benefit Special Olympics Minnesota will be Saturday at Breezy Point Resort.

More than 275 people will jump into the frozen lake at 1 p.m. Registration begins at 10 a.m.

Individuals must raise a minimum of $75 in pledges to participate in the annual Brainerd Polar Bear Plunge, presented by Minnesota law enforcement. Previous plungers have ranged in age from 5 to 80 and have included police chiefs, law enforcement officers, sheriffs, deputies, firefighters, families, corporations, clubs and fraternities.

Plungers can participate in a costume contest and many wear their costumes into the icy waters.

The Polar Bear Plunge is the largest event in the Law Enforcement Torch Run program, a grassroots campaign of law enforcement representatives worldwide who generate funds for and create awareness of Special Olympics programs in their areas. The Brainerd Polar Bear Plunge is organized with help by the Baxter and Brainerd police departments, Crow Wing County sheriff's office, Minnesota State Troopers Association, Brainerd Lakes Area Lodge 11 Fraternal Order of Police, Brainerd and Pequot fire departments, North Ambulance and Breezy Point Resort.