But the Third Annual Polar Plunge at Lake Junaluska on Jan. 31 has a special mission: to help educate youth about the very water where the plunge takes place. 

Haywood Waterways Association is recruiting plungers to partake in the  once-in-a-lifetime experience. The depth of plunge can range from an ankle-deep wade from the sandy beach to a full-immersion jump off the dock, depending on personal choice. Costumes are encouraged. Prizes are awarded for best costumes and the top fundraisers in the individual, school team and community team categories.

Hosted by Haywood Waterways Association and Lake Junaluska Assembly, money raised during the Polar Plunge will support Kids in the Creek, a hands-on learning experience that gets students educated about aquatic ecology and water quality. The program has reach more than 11,000 students since its inception.

“Kids in the Creek does more to increase students’ understanding of water and water quality than anything I could do in the classroom,” said Susie Schulhofer, who recently retired from teaching at Bethel Elementary School. “It has been a valuable learning tool and something the students and I look forward to every year.”

Registration begins at 11 a.m. at the Lake Junaluska beach and festivities start at 11:30 a.m. $25 or free by raising sponsorships, with 100 percent of proceeds going toward Haywood Waterways’ youth education programs. All plungers receive a free t-shirt and lunch. 

Register online at www.crowdrise.com/3rdpolarplunge or by mailing in the registration form at www.haywoodwaterways.org/pp.html. Walk-ins welcome as well. Event sponsors still needed.