General
What are Winter Water Sports?
Winter Water Sports are fundraising events where people raise money to plunge into cold water during Winter.
We offer six Winter Water Sports events annually:
- Penguin Plunge
- High School Plunge
- Winni Dip
- Law Enforcement Dip
- Cool Schools Dip
- Mega Dip
What is a Dipper?
A Dipper is a person who participates in one of our Dip events (Law Enforcement Dip, Cool Schools Dip, Mega Dip or Winni Dip).
How do I add my school to the list of teams?
We preload teams based on last year’s participation. If your school isn’t listed, just reach out and we’ll get it added right away!
Contact us at specialolympics@sonh.org to let us know!
Do I have to register and create a fundraising page online to participate in the Dip?
No, we have a waiver and registration form that can be completed and sent to us at specialolympics@sonh.org or turned in during check-in.
Are there age requirements to participate in the Winter Water Sports?
All Penguin Plunge, Winni Dip, Law Enforcement Dip, and Mega Dip participants who attend the in-person events at Hampton and Laconia must be at least 15 years of age.
The High School Plunge is open to high school-aged students and faculty.
The Cool Schools Dip is open to high school and middle school-aged students and faculty.
DIY events are open to all ages.
Are sponsorship opportunities available for the Winter Water Sports?
YES! We're currently finalizing our Winter Water Sports 2027 sponsorship opportunities.
Interested in partnering with us? We'd love to start the conversation. Please contact Mary Conroy at MaryC@sonh.org or (603) 770-4055 for more information.
Donations
How do I hand in my cash and check donations?
You can hand in cash or checks at event check-in, or deposit checks at any New Hampshire TD Bank.
Depositing checks at TD Bank (NH locations only)
If you are depositing a check, please do the following:
- Let the teller know you would like to deposit into the “Special Olympics Plunge” account
- Write your name on the deposit slip so we can credit the funds to your Dip.
- Take a photo of the deposit receipt and email it, along with any applicable cash donor record forms, to Emily Kunelius at EmilyK@sonh.org on the same day the deposit is made.
Funds will be credited to your Dip, donors will be thanked, and the donation will be added to your online fundraising page.
Please allow 3–5 business days for processing.
Find a New Hampshire TD Bank near you
What about cash donations?
Due to banking regulation changes, TD Bank now requires additional verification for individuals depositing cash into an account that is not their own. Because of this, we recommend one of the options below if you have cash donations:
- Bring cash to event check-in
- Enter the cash amount as an offline donation on your fundraising page (you’ll use your personal credit card to cover the amount)
- Deposit cash at TD Bank by either:
- Writing a personal check for the total cash amount being deposited (please send any cash donor record forms to Emily so donors can be properly recognized), or
- Completing TD Bank’s process to be added as a conductor on the account (this requires providing personal information, including date of birth and Social Security number)
Don’t live near a TD Bank?
- Bring cash or checks to event check-in
- Mail checks only to:
- Enter the cash amount as an offline donation on your fundraising page (you’ll use your personal credit card to cover the amount. Please do not mail cash.
Can I share the funds I raised with another participant?
Yes! You can transfer funds from one participant to another.
Transfers can be requested:
- Before the event by emailing specialolympics@sonh.org with the name of the participant transferring the funds, the name of the participant receiving the funds, and the amount you'd like transferred.
- At check-in by completing the Funds Transfer Form
Will Special Olympics accept a matching gift from my company?
You can double or triple your support of Special Olympics athletes through your company’s matching gift program. Visit your personnel office to ask if they match charitable donations, obtain a matching gift form, fill it out completely and mail it along with your contribution to:
Special Olympics New Hampshire
PO Box 3598
Concord, NH 03302
Any questions please contact Emily at Emilyk@sonh.org or (603) 343-7719.
Laconia Dip
How far into the water do I have to go?
That's entirely up to you. Some participants dip a toe into the icy lake, while others dive right in. There is no minimum distance required.
What should I bring to the Dip?
Bring warm, dry clothes to change into after your Dip. We strongly recommend wearing sneakers and wool socks into the water. If you're planning to wear a heavy costume, consider bringing a separate outfit for dipping.
No towel? No problem. We'll provide one when you come out of the water.
Do all Dippers dip at the same time?
No. Dippers are grouped into waves consisting of about 30 Dippers each. A Dipper's wave is determined by number of years that person has dipped. All schools are grouped into the same wave.
What wave will I be in?
Your wave is assigned based on the number of years you've been dipping. Every member of a school will be assigned the same wave (based on the Dipper on your team who has Dipped for the most years). People who have been Dipping the longest will be in Wave A; new Dippers will be in later waves.
Can my friend be in the same wave as I am?
Yes! Make sure you and your friend are registered as members of the same school and then you'll be in the same wave.
If your friend goes to a different school and is fundraising as a part of their team, you are not guaranteed to be dipping in the same wave.
What happens after the Dip?
After the Dip, participants and guests are invited to the post-Dip celebration at the Margate Resort. Enjoy lunch, music, and time to warm up with fellow dippers before the awards ceremony.
Awards are presented for top fundraisers, top teams, and costume contest winners.
Check-in
I registered online; do I need to check-in?
Yes! All participants must check in, even if they registered online. Every participant is required to sign a paper waiver at check-in before they can participate in the Dip. Check-in is also when you'll turn in any cash or check donations, receive your wristband(s), and pick up any incentives you've earned.
What if I have not met the fundraising minimum?
Every dipper must raise the minimum for their event to participate. If you haven't reached the minimum by Dip Day, you can complete a Deferred Payment Form at check-in.
As part of the process, you'll provide a credit card number. You'll then have 30 days after the Dip to continue fundraising. If the $400 minimum has not been met by that time, your credit card will be charged for the remaining balance needed to reach the minimum.
Can I share funds with another Dipper?
Yes! You can transfer funds from one participant to another.
Transfers can be requested:
- Before the event by emailing specialolympics@sonh.org with the name of the participant transferring the funds, the name of the participant receiving the funds, and the amount you'd like transferred.
- At check-in by completing the Funds Transfer Form
I haven't registered yet. Will I still be in the same wave as my team?
Yes. As long as you register as a member of your Band of Bears (team), you'll be assigned to the same wave as the rest of your team, regardless of when you register.
Wave assignments are based on the team member with the highest number of years participating in the Dip, so the entire Band of Bears can dip together.
I did all my fundraising online. Do I still have to check-in? Do I need to bring a printout of my page?
Yes! All participants must check in, even if they registered and completed all of their fundraising online. Every participant is required to sign a paper waiver at check-in before participating in the Dip.
No, you do not need to bring a printout of your fundraising page. We have the ability to view your online fundraising totals and donation history during check-in.
My band of bears has more than 25 dippers- can we schedule a remote check-in site at our school?
Yes! Please contact us at specialolympics@sonh.org to arrange a check-in site at your school.
Guests
Can I bring guests to the post-Dip Celebration?
This year, due to the incredible excitement and limited space in the ballroom, we won't be able to offer additional free guest wristbands. Spectators are still encouraged to come cheer outdoors - we promise the energy is just as electric on the shore!
We're so grateful for your enthusiasm and understanding as this event grows - together, we're making a splashing difference for Special Olympics athletes across New Hampshire!
Where is the best place for spectators to watch the Dip?
Spectators are welcome to stand along the outside perimeter of the fence line designating the official Dip Zone; in order to watch the action.This area offers a great view of the action while helping us maintain a safe experience for everyone involved.
For safety reasons, spectators are not permitted inside the changing area or the Dip Zone itself. Please plan to watch from the designated spectator areas surrounding the event.
Why can't my friend/relative go to the water with me?
For the safety of all participants, spectators are not permitted inside the Dip Zone, the fenced-off area on the beach where participants enter and exit the water.
While we understand that friends and family want to be close to the action, limiting access to the Dip Zone helps ensure participants can move safely and efficiently to and from the water. Spectators are encouraged to watch and cheer from the designated viewing areas outside the Dip Zone, which provide a great view of the event while helping us maintain a safe experience for everyone.
DIY Dip
What if I haven’t met the fundraising minimum?
Every dipper must raise the minimum for their event to participate. If you haven't reached the minimum by Dip Day, you can complete a Deferred Payment Form at check-in.
As part of the process, you'll provide a credit card number. You'll then have 30 days after the Dip to continue fundraising. If the $400 minimum has not been met by that time, your credit card will be charged for the remaining balance needed to reach the minimum.
Do I have to register and create a fundraising page online to participate in the Dip?
No, we have a waiver and registration form that can be completed and sent to us at specialolympics@sonh.org or turned in during check-in.
