FAQ

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General

What are Winter Water Sports?

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Winter Water Sports are fundraising events where people raise money to plunge into cold water during Winter.

We offer eight Winter Water Sports events annually:

    • Penguin Plunge
    • Prep School Plunge
    • High School Plunge
    • Winni Dip 
    • Law Enforcement Dip
    • High School Dip 
    • Middle School Dip 
    • Mega Dip

What is a Plunger?

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A Plunger is a person who participates in one of our Plunge events (Penguin Plunge, High School Plunge, or Prep School Plunge).

How do I hand in my cash and check donations?

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You can hand in cash or checks during check-in, or drop off any cash or checks to any New Hampshire TD Bank! 

Make sure when you arrive to the TD Bank you do the following:

  • Let the teller know you would like to deposit in the “Special Olympics Plunge” account
  • Write your name on the deposit slip so we can credit the funds to your Plunge
  • Take a picture of the deposit receipt and email it, along with any applicable cash donor record forms, to SpecialOlympics@sonh.org
  • Funds will be credited to your Plunge, 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 TD Bank in NH near you here

Don’t live near a TD Bank?

  • Bring cash or checks to check-in
  • Mail checks to SONH at PO Box 3598 Concord, NH 03302
  • Please do not mail cash. If you have cash donations, please use the offline donation feature on your Plunge page or transfer cash to a money order at a local bank and mail that to us!

Can I share the funds I raised with another participant?

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Yes! You can transfer funds from one person to another. This can be done:

  • before the event by emailing Fallon Wall at FallonW@sonh.org with the name of the Plunger who you would like to give funds to and the amount, and she'll make the change
  • during check-in by completing this Funds Transfer Form

Do I have to register and create a fundraising page online to participate in the Plunge?

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No, we have a waiver and registration form that can be completed and sent to SpecialOlympics@sonh.org or turned in during check-in. 

If you plan to DIY, please submit your waiver and registration by Sunday, February 5th to guarantee your DIY Kit is delivered to you in time. 

How far into the water do I have to go?

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That is completely up to you! Some people dip a toe into the icy Atlantic while others dive right in.

What should I bring to the Plunge?

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Warm, loose clothing to change into after you Plunge. We strongly recommend Plungers wear sneakers and wool socks into the water. There's no need to bring a towel as one will be provided to you upon exiting the water.

Where can I park at Hampton Beach?

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There are several metered parking lots available along the beach. There are also several parking lots along the side streets, as well as behind the Casino. Handicapped accessible parking is available.

Do all Plungers plunge at the same time?

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No. Plungers are grouped into waves consisting of about 300 Plungers each. A Plunger's wave is determined by number of years that person has plunged. All teams are grouped into the same wave.

What wave will I be in?

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Your wave is assigned based on he number of years you've been plunging. Every member of a team will be assigned the same wave (based on the Plunger in your team who has Plunged for the most years). People who have been Plunging the longest will be in Wave A; new Plungers will be in Wave C.

Can my friend be in the same wave as I am?

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Yes! Make sure you and your friend are registered as members of the same team and then you'll be in the same wave.

What happens after the Plunge?

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The Plunge Party takes place right after the Plunge. Food and music are provided at the Casino Ballroom. Costume and fundraising awards are presented.

Check-in

I registered online; do I need to check-in?

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Yes! All Plungers (registered or not) have to check-in.

What if I have not met the $400 fundraising minimum?

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Every Plunger must raise at least $400 to Plunge. If you have not yet raised the minimum on Plunge Day, you can complete a deferred payment form. We will record a credit card number and if $400 has not been raised 30 days after the Plunge, you credit card will be charged for the outstanding balance.

Can I share funds with another Plunger who did not reach the fundraising minimum?

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Not a problem! You can transfer funds from one plunger to another. You will be taken care of at the Special Circumstances table.

I haven't registered yet. Will I still be in the same wave as my team?

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Yes, regardless of when you register, you will still be in the same wave as your flock.

I want to buy additional lunches, am I able to do that?

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You can purchase additional lunch wristbands for $20 each at check-in.

I did all my fundraising online. Do I still have to check-in? Do I need to bring a printout of my page?

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All Plungers need to check-in - even if you registered and raised funds online.

You do not need to bring any proof of your fundraising, we have the ability to check how much money has been raised through your page at check-in

Guests

Can I bring guests to the Plunge Party?

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Each Plunger may receive two wristbands (one for the Plunger and one for a guest) that allow entry to the Casino Ballroom for the Plunge Party. Additional wristbands are available for $20 each. Space is limited and wristbands will be sold on a first come first served basis. Only registered Plungers and guest with wristbands are allowed into the Casino Ballroom.

Where is the best place for spectators to watch the Plunge?

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Spectators are welcome to stand along the outside perimeter of the fence line designating the official Plunge Zone; in order to watch the action. Spectators are not allowed entry into the changing tents or Plunge Zone.

Why can't my friend/relative go to the water with me?

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For the safety of all participants, spectators are not allowed to enter the Plunge Zone, which is the fenced-off area on the beach. We know this is disappointing for supporters who want to see the action up close, but these crowds of spectators create a hazardous situation for Plungers who are trying to enter and exit the water quickly, only to find that they are being blocked or worse, pushed back by a large group of enthusiastic onlookers.