The Chicago Polar Bear Club has canceled its annual polar plunge at Oak Street Beach because of dangerously low temperatures expected in the city this weekend. The event, which was scheduled for Saturday, is a charity fundraiser where participants jump into Lake Michigan to raise money for local families in need.
Organizers said the decision was made with participant safety in mind and that the event will not be rescheduled. “We know how much time, energy, and heart you have all put into preparing and fundraising. However, the safety of our Polar Bears has to be our highest priority, and with the conditions expected, it would not be responsible to go ahead,” organizers wrote in an announcement.
This is not the first time the polar plunge has been canceled; previous cancellations occurred in 2014 due to extreme cold and in 2021 because of the pandemic.
Despite this year’s cancellation, the club reported raising $87,000 for five Chicago families. The after-party will proceed as planned. “Let’s raise a glass, swap stories, and recognize the incredible amount of money raised for an amazing cause,” the group wrote.
In past years, participation has been high; last year over 1,000 people took part and more than $115,000 was raised. Since its founding in 2002, the club has collected over $650,000 and supported 55 families.
The cancellation coincides with other disruptions caused by severe weather. Chicago Public Schools also announced that classes on Friday are canceled due to the cold. The National Weather Service issued an extreme cold warning from 3 a.m. to noon Friday. Temperatures may remain below zero degrees Fahrenheit with wind chills possibly reaching minus 35 degrees. Meteorologist Zachary Yack advised residents to stay indoors if possible and cover exposed skin if venturing outside.
