Polar Plunge for Andrew

Posted 03/06/05
Wildwood Crest, N.J. – The temperature was a brisk 39 degrees but it felt more like 34 degrees - thanks to a northeast wind that was sweeping over the beach.

That didn't stop close to two hundred adults and children from shedding their winter coats all the way down to their bathing suits Saturday, while onlookers wearing hats and scarves to ward off the cold, watched from the sidelines.

At the signal, the bathers bolted toward the chilly waters along Wildwood Crest's Jefferson Ave. beach and plunged right in.

It was just a brief dip. Most hurried right back out again, although a few stayed behind to frolic in the icy waves - the water temperature was 38 degrees.

The Annual Polar Plunge for Andrew raises scholarship money in honor of Andrew Alameno - a Wildwood Crest lifeguard who perished in the 9-11 World Trade Center attack.

This year, the event raised over $20,000 for Wildwood Catholic's Scholarship fund.

For more information about this annual event, call Lisa at (609) 522-1200.