Q: What is the date of the event?

A: The event will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, with registration beginning at 10 AM and the plunge starting at approximately 11 AM. The award ceremony and refreshments will immediately follow at the Sinking Spring YMCA.

Q: What’s it like?

A: Some years are colder than others, but it‘s always entertaining. One year we had 18 inches of ice to cut through. Nevertheless, we had approximately 200 plungers, and hundreds more came out to watch the event and cheer on the plungers. Join us for a fun and exciting day at the (frozen) beach.

Q: Where does the money go?

A: All of the money raised through either sponsorship and/or donations help fund the YMCA

financial assistance program for those children and youth who are unable to afford fees for either membership and/or youth programs or summer day camp programs. Dollars raised for your branch will support the YMCA’s financial assistance programs.

• $28 = Covers the cost of a one-month membership for a youth in our community.

• $76 = Covers the cost for a child to participate in our youth basketball programs.

• $100 = Provides 2 children with 6 weeks of swim lessons to learn safety skills in and around water.

• $250 = Sends 2 children to 1 week of summer camp.

Q: Is pre-registration required?

A: Pre-Registration is encouraged but not required, and can be completed online! Registration is free however, we encourage everyone to raise funds to support kids! Click here to register.

Q: What are the prizes?

A: If you raise $50, you will receive an event t-shirt. If you raise $165, you will receive an event beach towel. There are also prizes awarded for the best costumes.

Q: Can teams participate?

A: Athletic teams, church groups, businesses, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to participate. There are special awards given to the group who raises the most money and has the highest turn out of plungers. In addition, community service hours will be awarded if requested by participating school.

50/50 Non-Profit Challenge: We will be sharing the amount raised by any team if they are a non-profit organization. Simply register your non-profit organization with Kris Danner and bring 5 or more plungers. Any non-profit group will receive 50% of the total they raised above $500. If your team raises $1,000, the YMCA will donate $500 back to your tax-exempt organization. The more you raise for the YMCA, the more you raise for your non-profit organization.

Q: What happens if it rains or snows?

A: The event is held rain, snow, or shine. In past years, we have held the event with snow on the ground and 18 inches of ice to cut through!

Q: What if the lake is frozen?

A: Through the cooperation of the Army Corps of Engineers, the Blue Marsh Rangers, the Scuba Team, and other fire officials, if the lake is frozen, there will be sufficient space for all plungers to participate.

Q: What should I wear?

A: Bathing suits, clothes, water shoes/ sneakers, and costumes are welcome. Awards are given out for the most original, as well as the best team costume. Many of the plungers wear crazy costumes. Wet suits are not permitted.

Q: What should I bring?

A: You should bring a change of clothes, a towel, and water shoes or old sneakers. You are permitted to wear shoes in the water.

Q: Where can I put my things while I plunge?

A: You may bring a bag to put your belongings in to keep near the beach, or you can keep your belongings in your car. The YMCA of Reading & Berks County is not responsible for lost or missing items.

Q: Are there changing facilities?

A: Yes! The YMCA and volunteer fire departments will provide heated changing tents for men and women. There are several port-a-potties will be located in the parking lot. Shower facilities are available at the Sinking Spring YMCA where the post-plunge party will be held.

Q: What happens after the event?

A: After the plunge, a post-event celebration party will be held at the Sinking Spring YMCA located at 4920 Penn Avenue. We will offer free food and drinks for all participants and spectators. The awards will be given out at approximately 12 PM.

Q: How far must I go into the water?

A: It is up to the participant as to how far they go in the water. Many of our plungers only go ankle-deep, although some of our plungers go completely underwater. There is no requirement that you must go underwater. The lake is gradually sloped so it is up to the plunger how far out into the lake they proceed. Scuba team members will be in the water and will not permit you to go out too far.

Q: Is there a minimum age?

A: No! Our youngest plunger was eight months old, and our oldest plunger was 72!

Q: If I have questions, who do I call?

A: Please call Kris Danner at the YMCA of Reading & Berks County at 610-378-4717 or email [email protected].