By Nikki Blankenship
Original work by local artist Charlie Haskins commemorates the Polar Plunge, a local tradition that brings swimmers out to take the plunge
into the bitter Ohio waters every New Year’s Day
As New Year’s Day approaches, all the icy water enthusiasts are gearing for the big plunge -- the Polar Plunge, when the shores of the Ohio River are lined with individuals, organizations and families ready to jump in those frigid Ohio waters.
For more than 20 years, the Polar Plunge has been the “biggest unofficial event” in Portsmouth,” stated Phil Malone, who helped coordinate the event for approximately 18 years.
Each year, the event has brought some New Year’s tradition while also helping to raise money for local organizations.
This year, a new organization will be heading the event. The event, known as the James Saddler Memorial after longtime supporter and veteran, will be led by the Sons of the American Legion (SAL).
“We are handing over the promotion and operation of this to the American Legion Post 23, and the Sons of the American Legion (SAL). This will be more of a veterans – military theme and we certainly hope the tradition will live on,” last year's event co-originator Sam Simon stated as he turned the tradition over to SAL President Brandon Bradshaw.
“This year’s 2020 jump will mark the end of the originators involvement, as time has caught up with most of them,” a release from Malone explained.
Malone gave some advice for those planning on taking the plunge.
“Going into the weekend, the Ohio will be murky, muddy but not so high, currently being thought to be near pool at the Court Street entrance to the river,” he explained. “There still will be very little room. Organizers have a ‘wait and see’ attitude. Anyone who has jumped in the river before, knows to wear shoes, and have a team ready with towels and other methods to get and keep them warm.”
Weather for New Year’s is expected to be better than some plungers remember from previous years. Though some thick cloud coverage is expected, the high for the day is expected to be 47 degrees, with a low of 31 degrees. Last year was similarly easy, with temperatures near the 50s.
Over the last 19 years, there has never been a reported injury. The first year the event only brought out a handful of people. Now, the plunge brings out enthusiasts by the dozens.
The 2020 plunge will kick off with the sound of a 40/8 cannon at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 1 at the Court Street Landing. Proceeds from the polar plunge will go to local veterans. The Polar Plunge has also supported such causes as organ donation and cystic fibrosis. For more information on the event, check the Polar Plunge Portsmouth, OH Facebook page.
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