How to Become a Polar Bear for Charity

You can dress any way you want: in a tutu, Hawaiian outfit, bikini or just about anything that makes you feel warm and fuzzy. That's considering you are going to take a plunge in the freezing cold creek, lake or river in your area. Being a polar bear for charity takes a strong constitution and the willingness to see the project through for whatever event it is being held for.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Participants will pay $75 or more to take part in the event for your charity. They will also get donations for their dive into the cold water and a set amount for every second they stay in the water, up to 25 seconds.

2. On the appointed day the "polar bears" show up dressed in whatever costume they feel will help them get through the experience. Besides, it is all in fun.

3. A member of the organization checks the water temperature to make sure it is below freezing.

4. At the appointed time, all the contestants jump or run into the water. In order to be eligible for prizes they have to stay in at least 25 seconds.

5. Your organization has to make heat available to the contestants by way of warm cars, blankets, towels and if possible, heating devices.

6. Prizes are given for the first person to run back out of the water, which will be a smaller prize, and then go up from there. The prizes can be donated by local merchants.

7. This is generally an event that attracts media attention, so have the names of the contestants on a sheet of paper, completely spelled out. Also take notes along the way which you can give to the media for a story to be done about your organization and the charity the money will go to.